John Kelsay is Florida State University’s Distinguished Research Professor and Richard L. Rubenstein Professor of Religion. With his analyses of religion, fundamentalism and terrorism quoted in media around the world, Professor Kelsay is a leading religious ethics scholar who focuses on Islamic and Christian traditions. He provides an oft-quoted and authoritative voice in both the academy and the community.
Kelsay’s work explores some of the prevailing religious questions of our day. In his latest critically acclaimed book, “Arguing the Just War in Islam,” Kelsay examines the concept of jihad and shows that Islamic thinkers have debated the ethics of war and of specific military tactics going all the way back to the time of the prophet Muhammad some 1,400 years ago. That debate continues today, he says.
The Just War: Historical and Comparative Perspectives
1. The Changing Face of War Date: 14-20 November 2011 Location: www.wileyblackwellexchanges.com
2. Keynote Lecture: The Just War: Historical and Comparative Perspectives Professor John Kelsay (Richard L. Rubenstein Professor of Religion at Florida State)
18. The orders of the Prophet : Whenever God’s Messenger sent forth an army or a detachment, he charged its commander personally to fear God, the Most High, and he enjoined the Muslims who were with him to do good. He said: Fight in the name of God and in the path of God. Fight the mukaffirun [ingrates, unbelievers]. Do not cheat or commit treachery, and do not mutilate anyone or kill children . When you meet the mushrikun [idolaters], invite them to accept Islam. If they do, accept it and let them alone. You should then invite them to move from their territory to the territory of the emigres. If they do so, accept it and leave them alone…If they refuse, then call upon them to pay tribute. If they do, accept it and leave them alone… The Prophet forbade the killing of women…the old…the lame…the insane…monks…
