For more than three decades, Nigeria's Muslim and Christian relations have been marked by both amicable and violent encounters. More than 100,000 individuals have perished in increasingly volatile and frequent interreligious riots. Are these bloody atrocities primarily the result of economic or political factors - as government officials insist - or are they rooted in the unique expressions of these two religions? Violence in God's Name explores the reasons for and ramifications of Nigeria's multi-faith violence and how these stress fractures might be effectively addressed. Dr. van Gorder does not hide behind theological assertions or ask Christians and Muslims to compromise their faith or evangelistic convictions. He provides an analytical evaluation of past and present tensions between Nigeria's Muslims and Christians. The book culminates into practical directions for realizable multi-faith partnerships for social justice. "Violence in God's Name benefits both from its deep historical perspective, and from the author's thorough knowledge of the situation. This is a rich and well-informed account, which tells us much about the current state of both Christianity and Islam. " Philip Jenkins, Pennsylvania State University "Van Gorder has done an excellent job in ... putting the current spate of violence in Nigeria in a nuanced historical context..." David T. Ngong, PhD, Stillman College "Violence in God's Name provides a balanced perspective that is urgently needed at a point when Nigeria's huge potential for African leadership is threatened by unresolved religious conflict. In this book Dr. van Gorder gives us the background, the current situation and points to possible solutions." Dr. Gary Maxey, President West African Theological Seminary "A. Christian van Gorder's insightful perspectives ... offers a concrete pathway forward for genuine multi-faith dialogue that holds both Muslims and Christians accountable. It is a must read for religious and political leaders of all persuasions in Nigeria." Reverend Father Anthony Odiong, Director St. Peter's Catholic Center, Baylor University Dr. A. Christian van Gorder is Assistant Professor of World Religion at Baylor University. Dr. van Gorder has travelled for several decades throughout Africa and around the world intent upon learning more about Muslim and Christian interactions. He is the author of seven books on multicultural and multifaith dynamics. www.adponline.info
About the Author: A. Christian van Gorder was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has seven children. His wife, Vivian Ndudi Ezeife, was born in Biafra, West Africa. Dr. van Gorder's Ph.D. is in Muslim and Christian relations from the Queen's University of Belfast, Ireland. Dr. van Gorder has travelled for many decades throughout Africa and around the world intent upon learning more about Muslim and Christian interactions. He is the author of seven books on multicultural and multifaith dynamics and has committed his life to the promotion of a greater sense of mutuality and respect among peoples of differing faiths and cultures. Dr. van Gorder has taught at Messiah College in Pennsylvania and Yunnan University in Kunming, China and is presently professor of Islamic Studies and Muslim and Christian Relations at Baylor University. When not writing, reading, travelling, playing with his children, or teaching, Dr. van Gorder especially loves to share a delicious cup of coffee with close friends in warm conversation.