Averting hell on earth : religion and the prevention of genocide / Susan Hayward.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Hayward, Susan

Contributor:

United States Institute of Peace

Series:

Special report (United States Institute of Peace) ; 248.

Special report ; 248

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Genocide--Prevention.

Genocide.

Genocide--Religious aspects.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (11 pages).

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : U.S. Institute of Peace, [2010]

Summary:

History demonstrates that religion has often been a destructive social and political force propelling genocide and mass atrocity. Religion has been exploited by perpetrators of violence to legitimate and carry out pogroms and has been used to define stark communal boundaries. Although religion has often played a destructive role in episodes of genocide and mass atrocity, religious communities and figures have also served in key opposition roles. For example, religious leaders have sought to rally religious opposition to violence from the pulpit and have protected vulnerable people by offering sanctuary in houses of worship. International organizations, governments, and NGOs interested in preventing the outbreak of genocide and mass atrocity should monitor and engage with the religious sector to identify religious narratives and activities that might portend the emergence of mass violence or genocide. Those seeking to prevent genocide must also learn how to leverage the inherent power of the religious realm to forestall the emergence of mass violence. Some means to this end include partnering with religious institutions, organizations, and communities to strengthen religious commitment to pro-social norms; offering religious challenges to the moral legitimation of violence; and marshaling religious resources to assist in early warning and response systems.

Contents:

Religion's role : preventing or commissioning genocide?

Historical examples

Religion in the prevention of genocide

Recommendations for genocide prevention.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed on October 14, 2010).

"September 2010."

Includes bibliographical references (page 11).

OCLC:

670099232