Laying Down the Sword: Why We Can't Ignore the Bible's Violent Verses

The Western world is clinging to a dangerous perception: The Qur'an teaches warfare, but the Bible's message is one of love and charity. LAYING DOWN THE SWORD brings to light biblical texts that have been hidden from view and overturns popular stereotypes that continue to generate more heat than light.
In many eras, Christianity has initiated more violence and bloodshed than any other religious tradition -- and could again, under the right conditions. However, fanaticism is no more hardwired in Christianity than in Islam. And, as Philip Jenkins demonstrates with stunning historical and sociological evidence, the mere existence of bloody sacred texts does not lead to violence. So what does motivate religious adherents to seize upon violent verses?
Jesus said, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Jenkins offers a way to read these troubling passages. LAYING DOWN THE SWORD presents a vital framework for understanding the Bible and calls believers in every tradition to create a more honest and deeper-rooted faith.