DESCRIPTION:

This course has four objectives: (1) to consider theological rationales for Christian commitment to nonviolence; (2) to compare Christian ethical approaches to peace and war, including nonviolence, just war theory, and just peacemaking theory; (3) to explore the new practices of peacemaking that are radically changing the postmodern world; and (4) to appropriate the course material by devising a means by which Jesus' call to Christian peacemaking can be incorporated into one's spiritual life and ministry.

The increasingly violent nature of our culture has become a pressing concern, not only within churches but throughout society. The church can perform a gospel ministry by teaching the skills of nonviolence. This course should help prepare teachers, preachers, counselors, and therapists to foster peace.

Class will meet weekly for three and a half hour sessions. Class time will be divided between lecture and critical discussion of the readings. The latter part of the class will also involve role-playing of techniques for conflict resolution. Students are strongly urged to become involved in some aspect of peacemaking ministry. Resources and referrals will be provided.

Herr, Robert & Judy Zimmerman. Transforming Violence. Herald Press, 1998.

Stassen, Glen. Just Peacemaking: Ten Practices for Abolishing War. Abingdon, 1998.

Tooley, Michelle. Voices of the Voiceless. Herald, 1997.

U.S. Catholic Conference. The Challenge of Peace. National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1983.

Two other readings to be announced.

Cahill, Lisa Sowle. Love Your Enemies: Discipleship, Pacifism and Just War Theory. Fortress, 1994.

Murphy, Nancey and G. F. R. Ellis. On the Moral Nature of the Universe. Fortress, 1996.

Sharp, Gene. The Politics of Nonviolent Action. 3 vols. Porter Sargent, 1974.

Shriver, Donald. An Ethic for Enemies. Oxford, 1995.

Stassen, Glen. Just Peacemaking: Transforming Initiatives for Justice and Peace. Westminster/
John Knox, 1992.

_______. Journey into Peacemaking. Southern Baptist Convention Brotherhood Press, 1987.

Wink, Walter. Engaging the Powers. Fortress, 1992.

One in-class essay exam and a final essay exam; a ten-page position paper describing your reasoned stance on nonviolence. In addition, students will be encouraged to find an opportunity for peacemaking ministry and write a brief report on their activities. Those for whom this is not possible will devise a plan for incorporating peacemaking into future ministry or write a research paper on some aspect of peacemaking ministry.

None.

Elective.

Yes. In-class essay exam.