Put Away Your Sword

“The proper Christian attitude to violence is a burning contemporary question. Here proponents from different continents, conditions, and disciplines highlight its complexity at a practical as well as the theoretical level. The ‘Just War Theory’ is given particular prominence, as is the more recent ‘Responsibility to Protect.’ Gender dimensions are given due weight, with related realities like exploitation and subjugation in all forms, all in the light of the teaching of Jesus. A superb and timely debate.”
—Paul Gifford, professor emeritus of religion, SOAS, University of London

“Authors of the outstanding articles included in Put Away Your Sword bring deep peace-building experience and critical questions to the conversation about gospel nonviolence. This book makes a significant contribution to our growing understanding of the gift and potential of active nonviolence for promoting just peace and healing our broken world.”
—Marie Dennis, senior program director, Catholic Nonviolence Initiative

“Gospel nonviolence is most difficult when seen from the context of present sociopolitical exclusion, structural-lethal violence, and deep personal wounds that the world inflicts on its victims. Yet the Christian is called to respond in a radical way like Jesus. Put Away Your Sword is a contemporary Christian response to this challenge. It is a praiseworthy attempt to painfully grapple with the theoretical and practical complexities of present conflicts and the radical demands of the gospel.”
—Daniel Franklin Pilario, director of research, Adamson University