Religion & Violence Series: Untangling the Roots of Conflict, an Interfaith Dialogue

While people of faith raise prayers for peace, stories of religiously fueled violence fill the news. Critics question whether the world can afford to tolerate a force as destructive as religion. Is violence an inescapable result of religious commitment, or is it a distortion, a human projection on a God in whom there is no violence? Is it the sole province of extremists, or do the roots of conflict touch all persons of faith?

Do solutions to these seemingly intractable problems lie within the traditions themselves? Through keynote presentations and small group theological reflection, this interfaith gathering will provide opportunities to deepen understanding, build community, and explore how religion can be a powerful force for peace within ourselves, our families, our communities, and the world. The conference will begin on the day we honor Martin Luther King, Jr., to ask how we can take up his legacy of faithful nonviolence in our time.

Theological Reflection Guide for loan or download.

A study guide and discussion questions regarding the work of the individual speakers is also available for download (pdf).