REL 215RS: Who Would Jesus Kill? Religious Ethics of War and Peace: Home

Master Syllabus

REL 215RS Master Syllabus
Jesus told his followers to "love your enemies" and "turn the other cheek" when struck. So why do so many of his followers carry weapons and wage war? If Christians are called to be like Jesus, then shouldn't we ask "Who would Jesus kill?"
This course examines the various Christian traditions regarding war, peace, and the use of violence. By looking at the moral principles and the history underlying pacifist, holy war, and just war perspectives, the course encourages students to assess their own assumptions and commitments. Further, the use of primary source arguments and case studies enable students to make informed claims about Christian views of war. Lastly, the course places these arguments in conversation with contemporary Jewish and Muslim debates about violence, war, and peace.

Who Would Jesus Kill? by Mark J. Allman
ISBN: 9780884899846
Publication Date: 2008-09-15
A concise, provocative look at the continuum of approaches to war and peace within the Christian tradition and beyond: pacifism, holy war, and just war. In Who Would Jesus Kill? War, Peace, and the Christian Tradition, Dr. Mark J. Allman asks a provocative, timely, and timeless question. Readable and thought-provoking, Who Would Jesus Kill? Provides an overview of approaches to war and peace within the Christian tradition. The author invites students to reflect on their own views as he examines in detail the topics of holy war, just war, and pacifism. An appendix further explores the issues of war and peace from Jewish and Muslim perspectives. In the video below, Allman gives a lecture called "Gods of War." The lecture is broken into nine videos. View the rest of the lecture at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL265E4A598BE60A61