The Challenge of “Sacred” Violence: A Quaker Perspective

December First Monday Lecture

Is violence ever sacred? “Sacred” violence is a term used to describe violence that on some level appears to be sanctioned, approved, and even instigated by God. This was ubiquitous in ancient societies; remains with us today; and plays a prominent role in the Bible. But the Bible also engages, in James Alison’s words, in a “subversion from within,” undermining the notion of sacred violence by the unfolding affirmation that God has nothing to do with violence. Rooted in the important work of Rene Girard (The Scapegoat), this lecture will offer a biblical and Quaker perspective on the challenge of sacred violence.

Thanks to the generous support of the Friends Foundation for the Aging, we’re able to make this and other free, online programs accessible to f/Friends of all ages.

This and our other lectures are streamed live and available as recordings on our YouTube channel.