History books are filled with tales of war and violence, but less so with stories of peace-making and non-violence. This course will explore various approaches to the possibility of peace rather than war, non-violence rather than violence, and ways of resolving conflict without harming others. The lectures will examine religious understandings of peace and look at various historical approaches taken by different societies to dealing with difficult issues without resort to arms.

Instructor Ken Phifer is a Unitarian Universalist minister of 45 years standing, 25 with the Ann Arbor Congregation. Ken has twice served 3 years in the Army and has for 53 years been involved in the peace movement. This study group for those 50 and over will meet on Wednesdays, 1-3, from October 31 through November 21.