When is violence justified? In this seminar we will look at the Old Testament and the Qur'an in terms of violent actions and violent commands. What are the justifications for violence? Do one or the other condone violence?  If so, for what reasons?  If not, why has violence been part of their history and/or the present?

Wissam Al-Aethawi will cover the Biblical rules of engagement, proper hermeneutics of violent passages, and finally the great commission and the New Testament method of spreading the faith.

Jim Walker will examine Islam’s theological basis and scope of application for the use of force to spread Islam’s rule.  The statements and teachings found in the Qur'an, hadith, and sira, coupled with actions and events during Muhammad’s life form the basis for this topic.  Also, the statement “there is no compulsion in religion” (Qur'an 2:256) will be reviewed for its context and scope.