Investigation of the oft-made claim that "religion, causes much of the world's violence," exploring, the best arguments for and against this, proposition framed by maximalist claims that, religion is inherently prone to inspiring, violence, and minimalist claims that religion is, either peaceful or subordinated to other (e.g.,, economic or political) concerns. Consideration of, various definitions of "religion" to see how it, might motivate a range of behaviors both peaceful, and violent. Attention given to pervasive, religious phenomena (such as sacrifice,, conversion, holy/just war, and apocalypticism), that might inspire violence, as well as, theological and ethical frameworks that may, counteract violence. In a multi-stage, guided, research project, students will pursue case, studies of specific instances of violence, apparently related to religion, thereby testing, and employing the analytical lenses developed in, the course.
- Teacher: Paul Powers