Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/violences-religions
In today’s world, the intersection of violence and religion is a topic that frequently dominates headlines. However, understanding its complexities requires a more nuanced and historical perspective than often afforded. This is precisely what the Coursera course, “Violences et religions,” expertly delivers.
This course, focusing on the Euro-Mediterranean region, provides a much-needed historical and comparative lens through which to examine the relationship between religious traditions and violence. Primarily delving into Christianity and Islam, with insightful segments on Judaism, the course offers a comprehensive overview that moves beyond contemporary events to explore the deep roots of these issues.
The syllabus is meticulously structured, beginning with a critical historical approach to sacred texts like the Bible and the Quran, tracing the early periods of Christianity and Islam. It then moves into the medieval Christian world, exploring concepts like forced Christianization, the persecution of heretics, the Crusades, and importantly, the presence of non-violence within the same historical context. A dedicated lesson also addresses Judaism’s complex relationship with violence.
Moving to medieval and modern Islam, the course guides learners through the era of the early caliphs, the Umayyad conquests, and the Islamic world’s reflections on war and peace. The modern European period, from the 16th to the 18th centuries, is examined through the lens of religious violence and the subsequent theological and philosophical movements that championed freedom of conscience.
The latter half of the course tackles the evolution of Islam from the 18th to the 20th centuries, introducing key movements like Salafism, Wahhabism, and the Muslim Brotherhood. It also engages with the Arab Renaissance (Nahda), the Arab-Israeli conflict, iconoclasm, and contemporary groups like Daesh, all while considering the concept of freedom of conscience in the Arab-Muslim world.
Finally, the course culminates in “Reflections and Challenges of Today,” featuring high-quality speakers who offer philosophical, legal, humanitarian, religious, and psychological insights into the enduring themes. This multi-disciplinary approach provides a rich and well-rounded understanding.
**Recommendation:**
For anyone seeking to understand the historical and comparative dimensions of violence and religion, “Violences et religions” is an exceptional choice. Its rigorous academic approach, combined with engaging content and expert insights, makes it a highly recommended course for students, researchers, and the generally curious alike. It equips learners with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate this complex and often sensitive subject matter.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/violences-religions