Religion and Violence: A Religious Studies Approach explores the many and various relationships between religion and violence. Recognizing that both “religion” and “violence” are umbrella terms for a vast array of phenomena, this book moves beyond the quest for singular definitions or one-size-fits-all explanations. Rather, the book employs an “if/then” approach: if we see certain forms of religion and certain patterns of belief and behavior, then we should look for certain forms of violence. Conversely, if we see particular patterns of violent behavior, then we should look for corresponding patterns of religious belief and practice. The book pushes readers to critically examine their assumptions about religion, violence, and the connections between them and draws on multiple generations of religious studies scholarship—along with the author’s 20+ years of teaching—to bring greater precision and specificity to our understanding of this pressing topic.
The companion website offers an array of resources for instructors, students, and general readers, including:
- Question sets from most chapters that assist in applying the theoretical insights in the book to real-world instances of religion and violence
- A list of recommended resources
- Sample syllabi for both lower- and upper-level courses built around the book
- Suggestions for research assignments and topics for in-depth exploration of religion and violence
- Three case studies that provide helpful content and model the many ways the book can be used to better understand specific cases of religion and violence
