1st Edition

In Search of Solutions The Problem of Religion and Conflict

By Clinton Bennett Copyright 2008
    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    Religion has played a role in conflict throughout history, with religious scriptures often being used to justify violence. In Search of Solutions evaluates the role of religion in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Israel-Palestine. The book argues that religion has a tendency towards conflict and that peace is best guaranteed when human individuals commune directly with the divine without the mediation of organized religions. Different approaches to the reading of scriptures are introduced, drawing on post-modern theory. In Search of Solutions will be invaluable for the student seeking a clear overview of both the theory and the practice of religion in conflict resolution.

    Introduction: The Problem of Religion and Conflict Part I: Conflict in Northern Ireland Resources and Sources 1. Northern Ireland: "the troubles" 2. Northern Ireland: Religion and "the troubles" Part II: The Bosnian Conflict Resources and Sources 3. The History of the Bosnian Conflict 4. The Role of Religions Part III: the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Resources and Sources 5. History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 6. The Role of Religion in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Part IV: Towards A Solution 7. The Problem of Violent Scriptures - A higher hermeneutic 8. The End of History and God's Purposes for Creation Conclusion: A Religion-less Future?

    Biography

    Clinton Bennett is Adjunct Professor in the Department of Philosophy at SUNY New Paltz, USA. A specialist in Christian-Muslim relations, his six books include Victorian Images of Islam (1992), In Search of Muhammad (1998) and Muslims and Modernity (2005).