The relation
between violence and the Christian religion or the role of violence in
Christianity is of course not a new
problem. However, like other difficult, controversial, and incredibly important
issues, it is often left unaddressed or given scant attention in Christian
circles including Christian seminaries.  Thankfully,
at least some modern and postmodern theologians, philosophers, and other
Christian thinkers—Frederick
Douglass
, Jung
Mo Sung
, James
Cone
, J.
Kameron Carter
, William
T. Cavanaugh
have engaged the subject of violence and its relation to and manifestations
within the Christian tradition.  Because I
personally find this issue difficult, important, and extremely relevant to our
current (post)modern context, I have decided to host a series of guest posts on
the topic.  My interest in this series,
however, is somewhat narrowly focused in a biblical hermeneutical
direction.  That is, in dialogue with
other Christians via this guest post format, I want to have a conversation
about what Scripture itself says, promotes, prohibits, permits or seems to say
promote, prohibit, permit about violence, majoring on those difficult passages
dealing with genocide, slavery, and the like—all with a view to developing a
Christian hermeneutical trajectory that would enable us to intelligently and
compassionately engage contemporary issues.
Abe slaying Isaac_Russian Painting 

I have listed below
specific topics for engagement and hope to receive two to three submissions per
topic presenting different and perhaps even opposing perspectives. I welcome Catholic,
Orthodox, and Protestant contributors, liberal as well as conservative.
(Recently, a number of thoughtful non-Christians and atheists have written
excellent works dealing with violence.
As a philosopher, I find these works incredibly valuable; however, for this
series, I am looking for contributions exclusively from Christians, as I want
the series to serve as a resource of sorts for Christians interested in this
subject area and who also find it a challenge to their faith.

Generally speaking,
the posts should be between 500–1500 words, with a strict maximum limit of 1500
words (see below for contact information and topics for proposals). I’ve already received several excellent proposals; however, there are still slots open for mini-essays for (2) and (3)–African American or Afrocentric hermeneutical readings are especially welcome.  Regarding (4), I need a counterpoint mini-essay arguing against an Anselmian-based view of the atonement–Eastern Orthodox and (post)modern theological readings are especially sought, though other views are welcome as well. Thus far, I have not received any proposals for (5), but my hope is that posting the announcement here will generate a few Girardian-related proposals.

Specific Topics

  1. How should a Christian interpret the divinely
    commanded mass killings (genocide) commanded of the Old Testament (e.g.
    Joshua 6, 10, etc.)?  Should we read
    these allegorically, literally, or what? Other passages on violence may be engaged as well.
  2. How should a Christian interpret
    passages in the Old Testament (e.g. Exodus and Leviticus) that at least
    appear to permit slavery?
  3. How does a Christian make sense out of
    seemingly opposed views on slavery (e.g. Philemon, and I Cor 7:23 verses 1
    Peter) in the New Testament?
  4. Does one’s view of atonement make a
    difference in how one interprets the violent acts recorded in
    Scripture?  If so, how?
  5. A Girardian dialogue related to any of
    the above topics or focusing on particular passages of Scripture is quite
    welcome

If you are interested in participating, please send me an email or post a comment on my blog: cynthia.nielsen@gmail.com.