August 26, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS - In a new release from Fortress Press, renowned biblical scholar John J. Collins asks tough questions about the relationship between the portrayals of violence in the Bible and how they have been used throughout history. This work, Does the Bible Justify Violence, is based on his Presidential Address to the Society of Biblical Literature.

In this clarifying essay, Collins reveals how the Crusaders, Puritans, and abolitionists all used the Bible to justify their use of violence-and this process continues.

Does the Bible Justify Violence asks the questions

. In light of today's religious and political rhetoric, how shall we interpret these ancient documents?

. How can we understand the biblical stories, prophecies, and songs in their historical contexts and avoid making self-serving and even violent use of them?

John J. Collins is Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale University and the author of numerous works, including Introduction to the Hebrew Bible with CD-ROM (Fortress Press, 2004).

Format: Paperback; 64 pages; 4.25 x 7 inches Item No: 0-8006-3689-9 Price: $6.00 Does the Bible Justify Violence is part of the Facets series-Brief, brilliant treatments of vital aspects of faith and life. A revived publishing initiative and innovative format from Fortress Press's early days, Facets answers contemporary calls for bold thinking, clear ideas, and words that succinctly go to the heart of the religious and moral quest. Facets offers gems of religious writing from leaders who address today's more important or pressing questions - biblical, theological, and moral. Each book, offered at an economical price, presents a special angle that uniquely illumines an area or issue.

To order Does the Bible Justify Violence please call Fortress Press at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the web site at www.fortresspress.com.

Fortress Press