The doctrine of nonviolence affirms that our humanity unites us more than our conflicts divide us. It seeks a unique mode of response to conflict, realizing that not by force shall man prevail. To find such a mode of response this chapter investigates the Palestinian Talmudic sources from the middle of the third through early fourth century. During this period, religious persecution was lessening but political oppression increasing. Teachers at the time spoke against violent resolutions to conflict. The investigation takes three parts: the response to enmity, response to intent to inflict injury, and response to persecution.
