Friday, April 17, 2015

A Book Club Discussion on Christian Nonviolence

A Book Club Discussion on Christian Nonviolence

Jesus brought a message of peace and love, telling us to “turn the other cheek” and to respond to our enemies with love.  But we live in a culture that responds with violence to almost every wrong done to us, and even our Church finds ways to justify war.  Why is it so hard to live Christian non-violence?
The St. Francis Peace & Justice Committee invites you to join us in a book club discussion of key essays in the book, A Faith Not Worth Fighting For: Addressing Commonly Asked Questions about Christian Nonviolence (Editors:  Justin Bronson Barringer and Tripp York). 
We will meet in the evening on these Wednesdays:  5/13, 5/27, 6/10, 6/24.  You don’t have to attend every time, as we will discuss different topics/essays at each meeting.  

Essays deal with topics such as:
·          Defining pacifism (particularly Christian pacifism)
·          Just War Theory and the value/purpose of war
·          The difference between being a Christian and truly following Christ
·          The idolatry of blind nationalism and militarism
·          The role of Christians as a nation’s citizens and the nation-state as an enemy of Christian unity
·          The authority of governing powers vs. the authority of God
·          How do we walk in the footsteps of Christ in the presence of evil
·          Living a life that reflects the God we claim to worship
·          A faith tradition that produces martyrs, not heroes
·          The way the Church changed once it aligned itself with the State and its interests


To finalize our plans, we need a head-count.  If you are interested in joining the book club, please notify Kelly Gauthier at chaysayd@yahoo.com or (734)769-0807 by May 10.  She will provide you with further details.


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