Competing Christianities: violence, ideology and war in Europe and beyond

In the face of current confrontations, such as the one in Ukraine, we need to re-examine the Christian tradition for its inherent potential for counternarratives and opposing concepts, offering perspectives to de-escalate conflict, disprove seductive utopias on Christian grounds, and promote reconciliation: possibly, sooner or later. Theology still has some work to do in this regard.

All speakers have chosen specific cases of conflict based on their own experience and background.

Panel members

• Moderator: Alfons Brüning, Professor of Orthodoxy and Peace keeping in Europe, PThU
• Heleen Zorgdrager, professor of Systematic theology and Gender Studies, PThU: ‘Religion, sacrifice, and civic nationalism in times of war: competing interpretations of John 15:13’
• Dorottya Nagy, professor of Theologie and Migration, PThU: ‘Your neighbour in your home - your neighbour’s home: theological reflections on receiving war refugees from Ukraine in neighbouring countries’
• Marten van den Toren, PhD student, PThU: ‘Defending the family and the nation?: Pentecostal potentialities for violence and peace across the hispanosphere’
• Alfons Brüning, Professor of Orthodoxy and Peace keeping in Europe, PThU: ‘ ”Brave New Worlds” and the heavenly kingdom – reflections on religion and ideology in times of war (The ‘Russian world’ and orthodoxy in Ukraine)’

Theologians, ministers, pastors, church workers.

The panel lasts approximately 1.75 hours. The course material remains permanently available and can be viewed at any time.

Costs for this online course are € 10.

You can register by filling in the form on this page. You can pay immediately. After payment, you will receive the course material via the email address you entered on the form.