Heroes of Nonviolence

Most Americans have heard of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., but knowledge of nonviolence often stops there. Author Ronald Sider reminds us of the ancient story of the Hebrew midwives who refused to follow Pharaoh's order to kill male Hebrew babies  (Ex. 1: 15-17, Qur'an 28)  and of first century Jews who lay on the ground offering themselves to be slaughtered rather than pay tribute to images of Caesar.

Muslim Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, at left, was a contemporary and great friend of Mohandas Gandhi. Born in what is now Pakistan among the fierce Pathan people, he mustered a nonviolent army of over 80,000 Soldiers of God who struggled nonviolently for almost twenty years for independence and freedom. Dying at age 98, imprisoned for one third of his life, he exemplified the courage, compassion and forgiveness called for in the Qur'an.

Islam on Violence and Terrorism
(See here for Church statements on relations with Muslims)
  • This statement by internationally prominent scholars and leaders of Islam offers a point-by-point rebuttal to the rationale offered by ISIS.
  • A Common Word Between Us is an international effort supported by Muslim and Christian leaders across the globe. It clearly demonstrates the widespread commitment to peace on the part of faithful Muslims.
  • The Charter of Privileges, decreed by Muhammad in 628, is remarkable in its wisdom, detail and level of protection for Christians under Muslim rule.
  • An extended article exploring the history of religious violence and terrorism by Sheila Musaji of The American Muslim www.theamericanmuslim.org
We wish there was a resource we could recommend for step=by=step guidelines on inspired, spiritually grounded, skillful conversations about controversial issues regarding Islam and Muslims - but there isn't.   Marshall Rosenberg's work is the closest we know. The rest of the resources listed below are heavier on inspiration than on practical steps for beginners. If you know of any, please let us know and we'll post it in big letters.

Recommended Books
  • Nonviolent Soldier of Islam - Eknath Easwaran
An inspiring biography of Badshah Khan (Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan), a powerful and inspiring witness for peace. His influence was immense, but his story is fading from memory.
  • From Enemy to Friend: Jewish Wisdom and the Pursuit of Peace - Rabbi Amy Eilberg
Rabbi Eilberg has been working in the areas of healing and peace building for thirty years. This book blends spiritual inspiration with practical negotiation skills. She even tackles the thorny issue of Israeli-Palestinian relations.
  • Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth - Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi has many books available. This is his own story, showing his personal struggle to develop a process for inner transformation and to create effective strategies for winning freedom for South Africans and the Indian people. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s work was based on his study of Gandhi.
  • Strength to Love - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speeches and sermons show up in a assorted collections, several of which are 600 pages or better. They are all inspiring, but this collection of 15 sermons is a bit more manageable. A reluctant prophet, King was a deeply reflective thinker, an inspiring speaker and a courageous spirit traveling through perilous times.
  • The Little Book of Conflict Transformation - John Paul Lederach
Lederach, a scholar at  both the University of Notre Dame and Eastern Mennonite University, has traveled the word promoting peace. This gem distills his hardwon wisdom into 70 pages.
  • Walking With the Wind - Rep. John Lewis
Lewis is the last living member of the "Big Six" who led the American civil rights movement. This memoir offers an inside view of the often confusing and painful evolution of a movement that changed the world.
  • Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life - Marshall Rosenberg
Available both as a book and CD, this book has sold over a million copies worldwide. Rosenberg emphasizes both the inner work necessary to be a peacebuilder and core principles for carrying on conversations.  Highly recommended.
  • Nonviolent Action: What Christian Ethics Demands But Most Christians Have Never Really Tried - Ronald J. Sider
Sider chronicles nonviolent action from the days of Moses up to the present, going behind the scenes to document the complexity and hope of peacemaking processes. Particularly inspiring for those who feel alone in the struggle.

Videos
  • This is an incredible interview with Antoinette Tuff, a woman who talked down a gunman determined to kill students, police and himself. A true testament to the power of faith and a shining example of the potential of the human spirit. She exercised non-violence and forgiveness in the moment, relying on God's strength throughout.
  • Intrepid Brazilian filmmaker Julia Bacha profiles tiny Budrus, a small Palestinian town engaged in a mighty nonviolent struggle. In her TED talk, "Pay Attention to Nonviolence," Bacha challenges us seek out and honor the many nonviolent struggles around us.
  • This is a profoundly wise 30-minute conversation between a Christian pastor and a prominent imam on the Charter of Medina, Muhammed's guidelines for treatment of Jews and Christians. 
  • Most of the authors above have youtube videos. Here are a few of the best: