Bloomsbury Home
- Home
- ACADEMIC
- Theology
- Theological Ethics
- Christians and Violence
Christians and Violence
Christians and Violence
You must sign in to add this item to your wishlist. Please sign in or create an account
Description
This marks the first English translation of renowned peace theologian Jean Lasserre's seminal work on non-violence. With introductory remarks from Frédéric Rognon and the author's daughter, Christiane Lasserre, this book provides English readers a window into a powerful, yet accessible, text on Christian ethics.
In this classic essay, Lasserre turns to the problem of physical violence and murder, tackling it with a focus on morality and scripture. Writing in the aftermath of the Second World War and the Algerian War, Lasserre also deftly examines the ethics of military violence and warfare. The Church told men for years that one could be an honourable Christian and a solider; this book delves into the two opposing realities of this sentiment with a powerful case for pacifism.
Table of Contents
Foreword - Christiane Lasserre
Preface - Frédéric Rognon
Introduction: Is There a Public Morality for the Christian?
Part One The Gospel and Violence
Chapter 1 Was Jesus the Prince of Peace?
Chapter 2 Jesus and Violence
Chapter 3 The Constantinian Heresy
Chapter 4 The Paganism of War
Part Two True and False Realisms
Chapter 5 Christians and the State
Chapter 6 State and Violence
Chapter 7 The Death Penalty
Chapter 8 A Brief History of War
Chapter 9 For a Real National Defense
Part Three A Heartrending Revision
Chapter 10 The Christological Foundation of Pacifism
Chapter 11 The Nonviolent Fight, an Evangelical Attitude
Chapter 12 For a New Reformation
Conclusion
Appendix I: Professions Forbidden to Third-Century Christians
Appendix II: “Give to Caesar What Is Caesar's and to God What Is God's”
Bibliography
Index
Product details
Published | 14 Nov 2024 |
---|---|
Format | Ebook (PDF) |
Edition | 1st |
Extent | 216 |
ISBN | 9780567714565 |
Imprint | T&T Clark |
Series | T&T Clark Enquiries in Theological Ethics |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
-
Someone might pick this book up because of an awareness of Lasserre's role in bringing about a transformation in the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer regarding pacifism via the Sermon on the Mount. However, after one begins reading, one sees that this book is of immense inherent importance. For these are the mature reflections on Christians and violence by an active French Reformed pastor who gave a profound witness to shalom through a long, productive life. It is a wonderful gift to have these writings available in English.
Mark Thiessen Nation, Eastern Mennonite University, USA. Author of "Bonhoeffer the Assassin?" and "Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis".
-
Can a Christian glorify Jesus Christ with a weapon in his hand?” Jean Lassere's life and work sought to answer this question under difficult conditions. His 1965 Christians and Violence, published now for the first time in English, invites English readers to become better acquainted with his fascinating and faithful story. A leading voice behind conscientious objection, an influence upon Bonhoeffer, Lasserre takes us through the biblical, traditional, and historical reasons that he and we should answer no. Read this book, share it widely, and listen to Lassere's prophetic witness. It matters as much now as in his own lifetime.
D. Stephen Long, Southern Methodist University, USA
-
Jean Lassere gave us a gospel of non-violence long before John Howard Yoder came along preaching peace. Long after Yoder's violence made a liar of his peace, Lassere's gospel still calls to us from the wilderness. Lassere saves us not only from Yoder's hypocrisy but the hypocrisy of any Christianity that would pair Jesus Christ with violence. Like many wilderness voices, Lassere's gospel was nearly forgotten. Until now. The publication of this translation returns to us a voice we desperately need to hear. The message offered is not easy, but it comes from God and it bears good news.
Jonathan Tran, Baylor University, USA

ONLINE RESOURCES
Bloomsbury Collections
This book is available on Bloomsbury Collections where your library has access.