Torture: Religious Ethics and National Security

by John Michael Perry

Until recently, torture was chiefly associated with foreign governments or other notorious human rights abusers. In light of the war on terror this has changed dramatically. Reviewing the history and practice of torture, Perry shows why torture is different from other acts of war, and why it is fundamentally immoral.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570756074
• ISBN13: 9781570756078
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Novalis Press (CN)
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

An intellectual study of the history and meaning of torture and the clarification of what makes it i

Torture: Religious Ethics And National Security by Jesuit priest and professor of ethics John Perry is an intellectual study of the history and meaning of torture and the clarification of what makes it immoral from an especially Christian perspective. As Perry introduces his own views, he also presents the perspective of both the torture victim and the torturer, giving an equal layout without a bias on the debate. Especially relevant with respect to the current national dialogue arising from the Bush administration's purported views on the subject arising from the current global "War on Terrorism", Torture informs the reader of many varying ideals and paradigms of the issue and is highly recommended for its educational and informative content to all non-specialist general readers.

The Indelible Effects of Torture

Fr. John Perry, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and adjunct professor of ethics at the Arthur V. Maura Center for Peace and Justice, St. Paul's College, University of Manitoba, Canada. In this book he deals with institutional torture and the very comprehensive definition used in the UN's Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. I found his anecdotal material very powerful: stories told in the voices of both victims and torturers. This material bears out his contention that torture destroys the victim's very personality (should they survive) and is soon destructive of the torturers who have to live with themselves. The author provides reflection on the efforts of survivors and some torturers to find healing and justice. Especially daunting are the stories of how some Church leaders in such places as South America have supported torture, reasoning that Leftists are out to destroy their way of life. Reflection is provided from the perspective of theology, history, sociology, politics, scripture and ethics. A short but powerful book with good footnotes for further study.