Jonathan Sacks

"Originally published in Great Britain by Hodder & Stoughton...London, in 2015."--Title page verso.

Confronting Religious Violence

Not in God's Name

Dana Kraft

I expected this book to be more "practical" in suggesting specific ways to respond to terrorism and violence done in the name of religion. I suppose it has some of that but I really enjoyed the interpretation of the stories of Genesis as a rejection of violence, hatred, rivalry, etc. and supportive of love for those who are 'outsiders' by literally any definition of the term. As a Catholic, I haven't learned much about Genesis except as a creation narrative, which, Sacks points out, is the shortest section of the Book of Genesis. I like how he describes that the creation of the universe by God was simple compared to the difficulties of humans trying to live together as families, societies and nations. This makes me want to read Genesis from beginning to end. 

I also like the arguments in here because they reinforce my belief the religious texts and tradition are a deep well of wisdom if we choose to use them as such.

Not in God's Name Confronting Religious Violence

Reviews