Past Lectures

Series speakers seek to commemorate the impact that Muste’s unwavering commitment to pacifism had on his contemporaries and to inspire current generations to strive for peaceful solutions to the world’s conflicts.

The A. J. Muste Memorial Lectures

2023–24

Beating Guns: Hope for People Who Are Weary of Violence,” Shane Claiborne

2016-17

"Accept War and Terror or Build Peace and Justice?," Robert C. Johansen

2015-16

"Strategies for Peacemaking in Israel/Palestine," John Kleinheksel, John D. Paarlberg, Paul H. Verduin

2014-15

"Reconciliation and Emergent Creativity: The Roles of Love and Hope in the Process," Vern Neufeld Redekop

2013-14

"The Power of Nonviolence: Why Peaceful Methods Are More Effective Than the Use of Force," David Cortright

2012-13

"A Thicker Jesus Is the Basis for Just Peace Making," Glen Stassen

2011-12

"Another World Instead: Some Pacifist Poets and Poetics, from William Stafford to Occupy Wall Street," Fred Marchant

2010-11

"Islam and the Practice of Non-Violence," Adam Erickson

2009-10

A Show of Force (drama) 

2008-09

"What the Torture Debate Reveals about American Christianity," David Gushee

2007-08

"I Cannot Love at All: Variations on a Theme by A. J. Muste," Donald Cronkite

2006-07

"The Power of Peace, the Weakness of War," Thomas Arendshorst

2005-06

"Polio, Palestine, and Peace," Jallaa’ Abdelwahab

2004-05

"Becoming Unified," Eileen Lindner

2002-03

"The Way of Peace," Tony Bing

2001-02

"Speaking Truth to Power," Father Roy Bourgeois

2000-01

"Church and Gospel," Norman Kansfield

1999-2000

"Teaching Peace," Colman McCarthy

1998-99

"The Church and Gay People," Mel White

1997-98

"Poems in Memory of A. J. Muste," Daniel Berrigan

1996-97 

"Invisible Prison," Kay Perry

1994-95

"Toxic Waste and the Sweatshops of America," Tom O’Brien

1992-93

"Teaching Non-Violence," Kathleen Raley

1991-92

"South African Political Prisoners and Their Re-Entry into Society," Noluthondo Zenke Mgquangqo

1990-91

"Uphill All the Way: The Fate of Reconciliation in the Land of Israel," Daniel Padnos

1989-90

"There Is No Free Press Unless You Have One," Glen Pontier

1988-89

"Engagement with Adversaries: A Principle for Peacemakers," Jim Forest

1987-88

"Christian Violence: A Chronic Pathology," Priscilla Inkpen 

1986-87

"Vietnam and the United States: Twelve Years After," Keith Taylor

1985-86

"Martin Luther King: His Legacy for Today," Richard Diets

1984-85

"A. J. Muste: An Historical Preface and Affirmation," JoAnn Robinson