Religion, War, Social Justice

Course explores conflict and coexistence in the three monotheistic world religions--Christianity, Judaism, and Islam--and current wars waged in the name of religion. Looks at origins and evolution of armed struggle in each tradition. Traces religious conflict in the Muslim conquest of the 7th c., the reconquista, the crusades in the 11th & 13th centuries, and the establishment of Israel and the ensuing conflict in Palestine. Also explores social justice and peaceful coexistence in the three religions—in Latin American liberation theologies, understandings of jihad as spiritual struggle, and the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam or 'repairing the world' through social action.