Between Eden and Armageddon

Much has been written on the relationship between violence and religious militancy, but there has been less research on constructive methods of confronting religious violence. This book represents an innovative attempt to integrate the study of religion with the study of conflict resolution. Marc Gopin offers an analysis of contemporary religious violence as a reaction to the pressures of modernity and the increasing economic integration of the world. He contends that religion is one of the most salient phenomena that will cause massive violence in the next century. He also argues, however, that religion can play a critical role in constructing a global community of shared moral commitments and vision - a community that can limit conflict to its nonviolent, constructive variety.

Marc Gopin, Adjunct Professor, Negotiations Program, Fletcher School of Law at Tufts University; Research Associate at Brandeis University; and Associate, Institute for Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University

"His analysis of Judaism in terms of ways its religious traditions could facilitate the lessening of tensions and radical enmity between peoples is very convincing and moving." - Theology 01/09/01

"Gopin makes a significant contribution to the building of a culture of peace and dialogue from his study of the possible role of religions in peacemaking" - Theology

"Gopin's work has much to commend it. His work is full of insight and learning. He handles the variety of material, both religious and political, Jewish, Christian and Muslim with great sensitivity and care. There are a number of excellent discussions all given concrete examples from different traditions ... an excellent book. It will be read with profit by a large range of people concerned with peacemaking, conflict resolution and the role that religions can play in this regard." - Simon J.Taylor, Reviews in Religion and Theology, Vol 8, Issue 3, June 2001

"Gopin's book offers the non-Jew an opportunity to reflect in a fresh way about what it means to be a peacemaker, by looking at this vocation through the lens of Jewish tradition." - Margaret Smith, For A Change

"a superb piece of scholarship and a fascinating text." - Charles H. Middleburgh, Expository Times

"Gopin's chapter on Judaism and Islam as paradigms with regard to religious approaches to war and peace forms a wonderful basis for in-depth study and inter-faith conversation, and his section on the conflict between religion and secularism, focusing on the state of Israel, is undoubtedly the best that I have ever read." - Charles H. Middleburgh, Expository Times

"Gopin offers a timely exploration of the paradox that while some interpretations of religious tradition can lead to violence against "the other", alternative interpretations of the same religious tradition can result in constructive peacemaking." - Oxfam-Roj67

"In this sensitive, positive and scholarly book, Gopin brings together the study of religion and of conflict resolution and includes a useful glossary, footnotes and bibliography." - Oxfam-Roj67