Thinking about Religion and Violence, Prof Jason C. Bivins, (24 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 4x DVD - The Great Courses)
In his 24-lecture course for The Great Courses, Thinking about Religion and Violence, Professor Jason C. Bivins explores the complex relationship between spiritual belief and human conflict. He argues that religious violence is rarely a simple byproduct of faith, but rather a result of how religious actors and institutions interact with political, economic, and social systems. By examining a global range of traditions—including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Vedic practices—Bivins investigates how core religious concepts like martyrdom, sacrifice, and penitence can be used to authorize both physical force and systemic oppression. 

The course dives into specific psychological and historical mechanisms used to justify violence, such as the process of "Other-ing," where targets are portrayed as malevolent or non-human through demonology and scapegoating. Bivins analyzes diverse case studies, ranging from ancient witch trials and heresies to modern terrorism and racial violence, showing how "holy war" narratives and war gods continue to shape contemporary identity. Ultimately, the series moves beyond a pessimistic view of religion, instead equipping students with analytical tools to recognize these patterns and find potential paths toward peace-building and conflict resolution
 
Enhance your collection with a resource that bridges the past and the present, reflecting the essence of Book Archaeology’s passion for education and history.