Scripture and Violence

The relationship between scriptural texts and acts of violence is explored in Scripture and Violence, with contributions from scholars of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The book addresses concerns about the influence of other religions' texts and violence and highlights the need for critical interpretation and application of scriptural passages. It is an essential read for students and academics studying religion and violence, Abrahamic religions, or scriptural interpretation, and can form the basis for discussions in churches, synagogues, mosques, interfaith settings, and government agencies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

In the public realm, there is a prevailing assumption that acts of violence perpetrated by individuals of the Muslim faith are driven by their religious devotion and sanctioned by the Quran. Some individuals also express similar apprehensions regarding the scriptures and actions of Christians and Jews. Could these concerns be justified? What role do scriptural texts play in motivating and justifying violence within these three traditions?

Scripture and Violence delves into the intricate interplay between scriptural texts and real-world acts of violence. A range of topics are addressed, including the prevalent contemporary tendency to exhibit greater concern about the texts and violence of others than one's own, the assumption of self-evidence in interpreting and applying scriptural passages, and the presumption that the actions of religious individuals are solely motivated by what they read in scriptures. Contributions from a diverse group of scholars from Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, with varying perspectives on the issues, are included in this volume.

By highlighting the complex relationship between texts and human actions, this book serves as an essential resource for students and scholars engaged in the study of religion and violence, Abrahamic religions, or scriptural interpretation. It will also be of interest to researchers working on religion and politics, sociology and anthropology of religion, socio-political approaches to scriptural texts, and issues surrounding religion, secularity, and the public sphere. This volume can also serve as a foundation for discussions in churches, synagogues, mosques, interfaith settings, and government agencies.

The editors of Scripture and Violence have also established a website, accessible at https://www.scriptureandviolence.org/scripture-and-violence-book-and-chapter-discussio, which features lesson plans/discussion guides for each chapter in the book.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 155 x 232 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815362579