THLE 616 - Theologies of Non-Violence and Social Change

Institution:

Eastern University

Subject:

Theology and Ethics

Description:

The "Arab Spring" of 2011 reminded the world both of the power of nonviolence to bring about social change and of the significant costs involved. In this course we will explore the theological and biblical resources in Christianity that support as well as interrogate nonviolent praxis and aggressive nonviolent direct action. We will discuss the spirituality of nonviolence, alternatives to both passivity and violence, justifications of violence and revolution, coercion, responsibility vs. faithfulness, and the pragmatic realities of refusing to kill people in order to improve one's socio-political-economic situation or in order to protect life. Readings will include Dorothy Samuel, Lisa Sowle Cahill, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, John Howard Yoder, Stanley Hauerwas, Gene Sharp, Sami Awad, and others.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.eastern.edu

Phone Number:

(610) 341-5800

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.