God, Religious Extremism and Violence

Does religion make conflict better or worse? Is secularism the solution or the problem? Are any beliefs immune to extremism?

Matthew Rowley (Author)

9781009494427, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 March 2024

88 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.1 cm, 0.28 kg

'Writing with commendable clarity, Matthew Rowley's insightful and lively new [Element] provides a thoughtful engagement with the ever-vexed issue of religion and violence. In particular, the 'three-dimensional view of conflict', which he here presents, provides a strikingly novel and valuable contribution to the debate, which deserves wide circulation and engagement. If contemporary narratives of religious violence in the media and beyond are not disrupted by this publication, it will not be Rowley's fault.' Helen Paynter, PhD, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence

Why do religious militants think their actions are right or righteous? What keeps me from acting like them? Why do some religious persons act on their beliefs in charitable, inspiring and deeply humane ways? Is secularism the solution to religious violence, or is it part of the problem? This Element explores the vexed issue of violence done in the name of God, looking at the topic through the lens of peace and conflict studies, religious studies and historical studies. The beliefs of various communities, religious and secular, are explored, looking at how convictions inhibit and enable violence. This Element aims to foster a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the promises and perils of religion so that readers can better respond to a world filled with violence.

1. Does religious belief matter?
2. Does religion cause violence?
3. How might theology and sacred texts justify violence?
4. Can holy war ever be just?
5. Does extremism enable or restrain violence?
6. How shall we respond to violence?
References.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of religion [HRAB]