This course will look at some of the most famous examples of successful nonviolent campaigns: Dr. Martin Luther King’s civil rights movement, Gandhi’s campaign in India, and the overthrow of the dictator Marcos in the Philippines. We will also discuss some other amazing but lesser known examples. Dr. Sider will build the case that if pacifists claim they have an alternative to war, then they must be willing to put themselves in danger’s way in the way soldiers do. If Just War Christians really believe their criteria that war must be a last resort, then they must invest large amounts of time and money in exploring how much can be done through nonviolent action. Neither pacifist nor Just War Christians have ever really done what their own ethical commitments demand.

About the instructor: Dr. Ronald J. Sider

Dr. Ronald J Sider has taught courses on faith and politics for several decades. He is the distinguished professor emeritus of theology, holistic ministry and public policy at Palmer Theological Seminary at Eastern University. He is the founder and president emeritus of Evangelicals for Social Action. Dr. Sider has published over 45 books including: Just Politics: A Guide for Christian Engagement, Fixing the Moral Deficit, and Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. Ron and his wife, Arbutus, live at Dock Woods.