Roots of Peace Speaker Series assignment

PSJ 101

Fall, 2010

Reflection paper #3:
Nonviolence and Religious Inspiration: Roots of Peace

Focus on the themes of the two sections from the text on Nonviolence and Religious Inspiration. Borrowing from the readings, videos, class discussions, speakers, consider the following questions:

• Discuss the relationship between religion and nonviolent practice.
• What role does religion and the practice of nonviolence play in establishing roots of peace?
• Do you believe nonviolence is practical and/or powerful? Can it work to reduce violent conflict and structural violence? Why or why not?
• What new thoughts or ways of thinking have you gained from these readings and class discussions up until now?

Please make specific reference to the readings when you write this paper. I want you to demonstrate your understanding of the content of the readings and how these concepts relate to how a society can create a culture of peace.