The myth of redemptive violence

In his book The Powers That Be, Walter Wink writes that the myth of redemptive violence “is the story of the victory of order over chaos by means of violence.

“It is the ideology of conquest, the original religion of the status quo. The gods favor those who conquer. Conversely, whoever conquers must have the favor of the gods….Peace through war, security through strength: these are the core convictions that arise from this ancient historical religion….

“The myth of redemptive violence is the simplest, laziest, most exciting, uncomplicated, irrational and primitive depiction of evil the world has ever known….Redemptive violence gives way to violence as an end in itself.”


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One response to “The myth of redemptive violence”

  1. Really informative article.Really looking forward to read more.