Breaking the Walls of Violence: The Many Faces of Violence

We encounter violence in many different forms – visible and invisible, direct or structural, individual and collective. It manifests itself not only in physical assaults, but also in linguistic degradation, economic exploitation, political oppression, cultural discrimination or unequal global power relations. In many societies, certain forms of violence are deeply rooted in social, religious or political structures - often invisibly or even legitimized.

Cultural practices such as the aestheticization of violence in the media, art or religious symbolism can also contribute to the normalization of violence. In church contexts, there is increasing talk of spiritual violence and abuse of power – forms of violence in which religious authority is used to manipulate or control.

The seminar offers a well-founded overview of academic perspectives on violence and sheds light on its structural, cultural, symbolic and spiritual dimensions. Interdisciplinary approaches from sociology, theology, peace and post-colonial research will be used. Voices from the Global South that advocate the recognition and overcoming of colonial and religiously legitimized relations of violence are specifically included. The aim is both to grasp the complexity of the concept of violence and to show ways in which "walls of violence" can be broken down in thought, belief and action. In the Christian understanding, the focus is on the ideal of non-violence as an expression of justice, human dignity and reconciliation. Interactive formats, personal reflection and international exchange open up space to share one's own experiences and develop common perspectives for non-violent coexistence.