Spirituality, Religion, and Peace Education attempts to deeply explore the universal and particular dimensions of education for inner and communal peace. This co-edited book contains fifteen chapters on world spiritual traditions, religions, and their connections and relevance to peacebuilding and peacemaking. This book examines the teachings and practices of Confucius, of Judaism, Islamic Sufism, Christianity, Quakerism, Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and of Indigenous spirituality. Secondly, it explores teaching and learning processes rooted in self discovery, skill development, and contemplative practices for peace. Topics in various chapters include: the Buddhist practice of tonglen; an indigenous Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono for forgiveness and conflict resolution; pilgrimage and labyrinth walking for right action; Twelve Step Programs for peace; teaching from a religious/spiritual perspective; narrative inquiry, Daoism, and peace curriculum; Gandhi, deep ecology, and multicultural peace education in teacher education; peacemaking and spirituality in undergraduate courses; and wisdom-based learning in teacher education. Peace education practices stemming from wisdom traditions can promote stillness as well as enliven, awaken, and urge reconciliation, connection, wisdom cultivation, and transformation and change in both teachers and students in diverse educational contexts.
In various chapters of this book, a critique of competition, consumerism, and materialism undergird the analysis. More than just a critique, some chapters provide both conceptual and practical clarity for deeper engagement in peaceful action and change in society. Cultural awareness and understanding are fostered through a focus on the positive aspects of wisdom traditions rather than the negative aspects and historical complexities of violence and conflict as result of religious hegemony.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: Toward an Integrated Spirituality for Peace; Edward J. Brantmeier.
Part I. Great Wisdom Traditions And Peace Education.
Chapter 1. Confucius' Teaching of Virtues: Implications for World Peace and Peace Education; Jing Lin and Yingji Wang.
Chapter 2. Islamic Sufism and Education for Peace; Michelle Ayazi.
Chapter 3. A Jewish Perspective on Peace Education; Reuben Jacobson and Moishe Steigmann.
Chapter 4. How Christianity Addresses Peace and What This Means for Education; Rebecca L. Oxford.
Chapter 5. Peace Education and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers); Mary Lee Morrison and Ian Harris.
Chapter 6. Hinduism and Peace Education; Priyankar Upadhyaya.
Chapter 7. A Tibetan Peace Perspective; Jia Luo.
Chapter 8. Indigenous Spirituality as a Source for Peaceful Relations; Four Arrows, aka Don Trent Jacobs.
Part II. Peace Education, Teaching And Learning, And Spirituality.
Chapter 9. Contemplative Practices in Counseling and Education: A Course in Nonviolent Intervention for Counselors and Teachers; Nathalie Kees.
Chapter 10. Finding Peace via Reconciliation and Awakening: 12-Step Programs and Education for Religion, Spirituality, and Peace; D. Brent Edwards Jr.
Chapter 11. The Place of Spirituality in the Life and Work of Ismaili Teachers of Central Asia; Sarfaroz Niyozov and Zahra Punja.
Chapter 12. Daoism, Narrative Inquiry, and a Curriculum of Peace; Xin Li.
Chapter 13. Peacemaking and Spirituality: Bridging Faith, Values, Understanding and Life Skills; William M. Timpson.
Chapter 14. Self-Re-Education for Teachers: Gandhi, Deep Ecology, & Multicultural Peace Education; Edward J. Brantmeier.
Chapter 15. Educating for Wisdom; John P. Miller.
About the Authors.
Index.
