Religion, Pacifism, and Nonviolence

This book explores religion, pacifism, and nonviolence, examining moral support for pacifism and religious support from various traditions. It distinguishes between force and violence, explores peacekeeping, and proposes two models for a world without war. The book concludes with reflections on the role of pacifism in five possible futurescapes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2018
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the profound realms of religion, pacifism, and the nonviolence that underpins pacifism in its most coherent form. Pacifism emerges as a religious perspective on war and violence, alongside just war theories, which are also critically examined. While moral support for pacifism is offered, the central focus of the book lies in exploring the religious foundations of pacifism, found across diverse religious traditions. A crucial distinction within pacifism is drawn between force and violence, with pacifism informed by nonviolence excluding violence but permitting certain forms of force.

Peacekeeping, as an activity that appears to align with pacifism, is explored in depth, examining various forms of peacekeeping. Additionally, the book examines the implications of nonviolence for the treatment of nonhuman animals. Two models are proposed for achieving the conditions necessary for a world without war, and both are analyzed and developed further. One of these models, the model of a biological human family, is explored in greater detail.

The book concludes with thoughtful reflections on the role of pacifism in each of five possible futurescapes, offering insights into the potential contributions of pacifism to a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Weight: 381g
Dimension: 210 x 150 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030069537
Edition number: Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2018