Histories of Religion and Violence

Catalog description

Can religious fervor coexist with good citizenship? The American political project was designed, according to many of its original activists as well as contemporary theorists across the political spectrum, both to establish a safe haven for free religious practice *and* at the same time to protect the public from religious violence. But has it ever been possible to advance both goals together, or does one always swallow the other? As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, this Spirited Debate course welcomes first year students to re-examine the different stories about religion and violence that have structured our modern politics. While this class will prioritize the exploration of accounts of medieval and early modern religious violence that were pivotal to highly influential frameworks for American democratic government (like inquisitions, crusades, and the Wars of Religion), it will also consider both more ancient and more contemporary histories, such as religious origin stories, 19th century histories of "the warfare between religion and science”, and 20th century accounts of religious terror as well as totalitarian violence against religious communities. It will also lead students to reflect both critically and constructively about fundamental theories of religion and violence as they engage in an interdisciplinary and collaborative investigation of primary sources and artifacts, sacred texts, influential histories, and contemporary controversies. In the process, students will develop vital capacities for civic engagement within our religiously (and non-religiously) pluralistic polity.