The Bible and Violence

It is often said that that religious texts provoke and sanction violence, and even that religion itself is inherently violent. Utilizing various analytical models, we will examine representative texts from both the Old and New Testaments in dialogue with the insights of Rene Girard, Eugen Drewermann, C.G. Jung, Walter Wink, and others. Central to our study of the pertinent NT texts is an exploration of the symbolic world of apocalypticism (both Jewish and Christian), as well as the destructive potential of the Passion narratives. Special attention will also be given to the myth of redemptive violence and the misuse of religious language and symbols. The course will also explore pastoral and theological approaches to sensitive biblical passages today.