Assessing Violence

Abstract

This article assesses the recent model by Fiske and Rai (Virtuous Violence: Hurting and Killing to Create, Sustain, End, and Honor Social Relationships) applying cross-cultural perspectives to violence as an intentional act. Following a definition of such violence, an overview of the model and an application of data from some of the authentic letters of Paul is presented. The author concludes with a brief assessment of the model’s relevance for both understanding these scriptural portrayals and possible contemporary Christian responses to such forms of violence.