This interdisciplinary course combines Systematic Theology, Ethics, and Biblical Theology in exploring the themes of peace and justice. During this course (II.) the focus is on Peace.
- How is the concept of peace defined and understood in different academic discourses?
- How do both, peace and justice relate to each other in biblical terms?
- What does peace mean in the Old Testament and especially in the Torah and the Prophets?
- What does peace mean in the context of the message of Jesus, and especially within the Sermon on the Mount?
- In light of the biblical accounts, what is the wisdom of "the way of non-violence" and "the way of the cross"? - Christological and ethical reflections.
- How does Peace relate to both interhuman relationships and the relation between God and humans / creation?
- In light of the biblical accounts, what are appropriate theological reflections and ethical concepts of peace?

Alternative approaches to the traditional "Just War Theory" will be introduced and discussed. Amongst others, themes will be: The Kingdom of God, The Sermon on the Mount, Justice in Biblical Perspective; Justice understood as Reconciliation; God?s Justice in relation to human justice.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) awards credits based on the ECTS system. Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.