Precarious Life, Justified Aggression, and Ritualized Violence: Is There a Place for "Loving Your Enemy" in a World of Violence?
This article discusses the violence of the human condition and suggests some theoretical bases that lead to a better understanding of this human predicament. It explores how human precariousness creates the very possibility not only of self-assertiveness but also of taking the violent offensive. The...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
ATESEA
[2017]
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In: |
Asia journal of theology
Year: 2017, Volume: 31, Issue: 1, Pages: 82-98 |
RelBib Classification: | NBE Anthropology NCC Social ethics VA Philosophy |
Further subjects: | B
Justice
B Forgiveness B STRIKES & lockouts B TEACHINGS of Jesus Christ B Violence B Love B Enemy B Ritual B Revenge B precarious B AGGRESSION (Psychology) |
Summary: | This article discusses the violence of the human condition and suggests some theoretical bases that lead to a better understanding of this human predicament. It explores how human precariousness creates the very possibility not only of self-assertiveness but also of taking the violent offensive. The pre-emptive strike, in various guises, has repeatedly been used in spite of the obvious flaw that once violence is done to others the spirit of vengeance is likewise conjured. In order to avoid being completely consumed by the cycle of revenge, societies try to manage this practice of revenge through judicial regulation. But while it may partly work, it is folly not to discern that a mere ritualization of violence also leads to its legitimization and perpetuation. This article will explore the seriousness of Jesus's teaching, "Love your enemies," which goes beyond the injunction to "love your neighbours" and the judicial practice of lex talionis. |
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ISSN: | 2815-1828 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: Asia journal of theology
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