Paul Rasor to Deliver Kiplinger Lecture on the Morality of War

The ninth annual Kiplinger Lecture on Ethics in American Society will be delivered by Dr. Paul B. Rasor at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, Maryland, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Novermber 21, 2009. Dr. Rasor will present his responses to the question, "When, if ever, is the use of military force morally justifiable?" The program of lectures is supported by a grant from the Kiplinger Foundation in memory of Willard B. Kiplinger.

Bethesda, Maryland (PRWEB) November 2, 2009 -- Is the use of military force ever morally justifiable? Is there really any such thing as a "moral war"? Is it possible in our day to go "beyond war"?

Dr. Paul B. Rasor, Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Virginia, will be presenting his responses to these and related questions at the annual Kiplinger Lecture at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, Maryland, on Saturday, November 21, at 2 p.m.

Dr. Rasor believes that "just war" and "pacifism" are not polar opposites, since both share moral commitments to reduce violence. A conditional model of pacifism acknowledges that military force may be necessary on occasion, but then wrestles with defining justifiable exceptions. "Just peacemaking" emphasizes practices that prevent war. "Just policing" proposes nonviolent responses to terrorism.

The program of annual lectures series on Ethics in American Society is supported by a generous grant from the Kiplinger Foundation, in memory of Willard B. Kiplinger, a founding member of the church.

Dr. Rasor holds both a Master of Divinity and Ph.D. in the study of religions from Harvard University as well as law and music degrees from the University of Michigan. He has served as a lawyer; a minister; and a professor of law, theology, and religious institutions. His publications (in law and theology) include his latest book, Faith Without Certainty: Liberal Theology in the 21st Century. In preparation is Reclaiming Prophetic Liberation: Liberal Religion in the Public Square.

"Dr. Rasor's extensive work in peace studies, law, and theology gives him a unique perspective on the very timely issue of peacemaking," notes Harvey Lerner, Chair of Cedar Lane's Kiplinger Committee.

Cedar Lane Church is at 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

Admission to the lecture is $10; students attend free. Reservations are welcome but not required. For more information, and to register for the lecture, consult the Cedar Lane Website at http://www.cedarlane.org/Kiplinger2009.htm or call 301-493-8300.

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