Though many people believe that humanity is doomed to be mired in violence, Kaufman argues that the Judeo-Christian offers a path toward peaceful, harmonious coexistence between humans and the rest of creation, including animals. The book first analyzes the sources of human violence and scapegoating and then compares insights from the social sciences to the biblical accounts. In pursuit of self-esteem, humans often find themselves in conflict with each other, and they often relieve these conflicts by blaming one or more scapegoats. But such scapegoating is unjust, and it is only a temporary solution to a recurrent human problem. The antidote, Kaufman argues, involves adopting the faith of Christ. Despite institutional Christianity s often tragic history of violence, Kaufman asserts that the Bible supports the notion that God is loving, compassionate, and merciful. Finally, Kaufman applies the book s principles to modern social issues, with often surprising results. In particular, Kaufman shows how the rise of humanism has led to humans scapegoating animals rather than other humans. This is not only morally wrong; Kaufman shows that countenancing the victimization of any vulnerable individuals actually puts everyone at risk.
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Editorial Reviews
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Rich with insights into topics as seemingly disparate as Biblical interpretation, the psychology of violence, and the role of science in helping us to understand the spiritual message of Jesus, Guided by the Faith of Christ is a seminal work that can revolutionize our thinking about the causes and cure for the hatred and violence that plague our world. This is essential reading for everyone who is concerned about spirituality (both Christian and other), personal growth, and social justice for all of God s living souls. In my experience, optimistic books are often neither profound nor realistic. But Guided by the Faith of Christ is both, and that makes it exceptionally valuable. Norm Phelps, author of The Dominion of Love: Animal Rights According to the Bible; The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights; and The Longest Struggle: Animal Advocacy from Pythagoras to PETA. --book cover
This book is by far the best we have read in defining the reasons for violence in our society and why there is continual scapegoating of humans and animals who can t adequately defend themselves. It is also a guidepost for teaching what we need to do to eliminate these problems, particularly in Christianity. Rev. Frank L. and Mary Hoffman, All Creatures Ministry --book cover
This book is by far the best we have read in defining the reasons for violence in our society and why there is continual scapegoating of humans and animals who can t adequately defend themselves. It is also a guidepost for teaching what we need to do to eliminate these problems, particularly in Christianity. Rev. Frank L. and Mary Hoffman, All Creatures Ministry --book cover
About the Author
Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D. is an ophthalmologist specializing in retinal diseases and is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Case School of Medicine. He is chair of the Christian Vegetarian Association, president of Vegetarian Advocates (a Cleveland-based group), and cochair of the Medical Research Modernization Committee. He has written and lectured on Ernest Becker and René Girard, scientific shortcomings of animal experimentation, diet and health, and vegetarianism and Christianity. He is a lay member of the United Church of Christ, a Protestant denomination. He is married, lives in Cleveland, Ohio, and has two sons.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very good book,
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This review is from: Guided by the Faith of Christ: Seeking to Stop Violence and Scapegoating (Perfect Paperback)
The French scholar René Girard argues that human culture is based on sacrifice as the way out of mimetic, or imitative, violence between rivals. Guided by the Faith of Christ: Seeking to Stop Violence and Scapegoating, by Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D., is an attempt to apply Giradian theory to produce a full-blown Christian theology. Kaufman's discussions include "Jesus as Teacher", "Forgiveness", "Christian Faith and Prophetic Witness", and "The New Testament and Sacrifice". In a final chapter the author uses Girardian theory to offer insights into contemporary issues, such as abortion, oppression of women, homosexuality, poverty, enviromentalism and animal issues.
I am impressed with this book. It is ambitious, rigorous, balanced. Though it is based on a wide range of scientific litterature, on topics such as Biblical theology, anthropological philosophy, and the psychology of violence, it is very accessible. I appreciate the gentle tone of Kaufman's writing, there are no exaggerations, no hype, as well as his skills at structuring and organizing the material. The book covers several themes, but the author talks about one thing at a time. Guided by the Faith of Christ is a tour de force.
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