Atone: Religion, Conflict, and Reconciliation

by Akanmu G. Adebayo (Contributor), Akanmu G. Adebayo (Editor), Sherrill Hayes (Editor)

The relationship between religion and conflict has generated considerable academic and political debate. Although the majority of religions and spiritual traditions are replete with wisdom that propagates a broader unity among human beings, these same examples have been used to legitimize hatred and fear. While some studies claim that religion facilitates peacebuilding, reconciliation, and healing, others argue that religion exacerbates hostility, instigates vengeance-seeking behaviors, and heightens conflict. But religion does not act by itself, human beings are responsible for acts of peace or conflict, of division or reconciliation, in the name of religion. This book addresses these rather complex issues from the perspective of reconciliation, or atonement, to advance both the frontiers of knowledge and the global search for alternative paths to peace. The contributions in the volume focus in three (1) Reconciling Religious Conflicts, (2) Reconciling Conflict through Religion, and (3) Religious Reconciliations. In each of these sections scholars, practitioners, and religious leaders address specific examples that highlight the complex intersections of religious practices with global conflict and reconciliation efforts. This informative and provocative book is relevant for students and faculty in peace and conflict studies, religious studies, humanities, social sciences, and provides insights useful to practitioners and professionals working in peacebuilding and international development seeking to promote effective resolution and reconciliation efforts.

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2018

Reviews

[Sherrill Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of the co-editors of this book, I’m not sure I review from me mean very much, I do think this book is filled with well-researched examples of the positive intersections of religion and peacebuilding. We put this book together as a kind of antidote for the primarily negative associations between these two areas in our field and in the wider world.