Plowshares

Protest, Performance, and Religious Identity in the Nuclear Age

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Marriage & Family, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Denominations, Catholic, Catholicism, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book Plowshares by Kristen Tobey, Penn State University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kristen Tobey ISBN: 9780271078281
Publisher: Penn State University Press Publication: August 18, 2016
Imprint: Penn State University Press Language: English
Author: Kristen Tobey
ISBN: 9780271078281
Publisher: Penn State University Press
Publication: August 18, 2016
Imprint: Penn State University Press
Language: English

In September 1980, eight Catholic activists made their way into a Pennsylvania General Electric plant housing parts for nuclear missiles. Evading security guards, these activists pounded on missile nose cones with hammers and then covered the cones in their own blood. This act of nonviolent resistance was their answer to calls for prophetic witness in the Old Testament: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not take up sword against nation; they shall never again know war.”

Plowshares explores the closely interwoven religious and social significance of the group’s use of performance to achieve its goals. It looks at the group’s acts of civil disobedience, such as that undertaken at the GE plant in 1980, and the Plowshares’ behavior at the legal trials that result from these protests. Interpreting the Bible as a mandate to enact God’s kingdom through political resistance, the Plowshares work toward “symbolic disarmament,” with the aim of eradicating nuclear weapons.

Plowshares activists continue to carry out such “divine obediences” against facilities where equipment used in the production or deployment of nuclear weapons is manufactured or stored. Whether one agrees or disagrees with their actions, this volume helps us better understand their motivations, logic, identity, and ultimate goal.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In September 1980, eight Catholic activists made their way into a Pennsylvania General Electric plant housing parts for nuclear missiles. Evading security guards, these activists pounded on missile nose cones with hammers and then covered the cones in their own blood. This act of nonviolent resistance was their answer to calls for prophetic witness in the Old Testament: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not take up sword against nation; they shall never again know war.”

Plowshares explores the closely interwoven religious and social significance of the group’s use of performance to achieve its goals. It looks at the group’s acts of civil disobedience, such as that undertaken at the GE plant in 1980, and the Plowshares’ behavior at the legal trials that result from these protests. Interpreting the Bible as a mandate to enact God’s kingdom through political resistance, the Plowshares work toward “symbolic disarmament,” with the aim of eradicating nuclear weapons.

Plowshares activists continue to carry out such “divine obediences” against facilities where equipment used in the production or deployment of nuclear weapons is manufactured or stored. Whether one agrees or disagrees with their actions, this volume helps us better understand their motivations, logic, identity, and ultimate goal.

More books from Penn State University Press

Cover of the book Rousseau Among the Moderns by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book The Duplicating Imagination by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Supernatural Entertainments by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Kant’s Political Theory by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Pound's Cantos Declassified by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Pietas from Vergil to Dryden by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Exiled in Modernity by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book After Identity by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Chaucer, Gower, and the Vernacular Rising by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book The Spiritual Vision of Frank Buchman by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Limiting Resources by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Matters of Spirit by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book Speaking Hatefully by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book An Entrenched Legacy by Kristen Tobey
Cover of the book The Seductions of Darwin by Kristen Tobey
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy