Author Eric D. Hovee appears at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 18, where he signs copies of his book, Conflict & Peace: At Home with Jesus. The session takes place at Booth #978 in the Black Zone on the campus of the University of Southern California.
Hovee’s book takes on a question that has long been debated within Christianity: how a figure widely associated with peace could also be linked to division. Rather than offering a single conclusion, the work traces how different interpretations of Jesus have emerged over time, shaped by historical context, scripture and evolving belief systems.
Conflict & Peace: At Home with Jesus draws from both biblical texts and historical accounts to examine how early followers of Jesus understood his message. The book begins with the four gospel writers — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — whose accounts present distinct perspectives on Jesus’ teachings and purpose. Hovee then moves beyond the gospels to explore the roles of early Christian figures, including Paul, James, Peter, Thomas and Mary Magdalene. Their writings and actions, he notes, helped shape the foundations of Christian doctrine while also revealing disagreements within the early church.
The narrative continues by following the institutional development of Christianity through key turning points. Hovee highlights the reign of Constantine and the growing alignment between church and state, a shift that influenced how Christianity was practiced and organized. He then examines the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther, a period marked by challenges to established authority and the emergence of new denominations. Throughout these historical moments, the book underscores how conflict and unity have often developed side by side.
In a review on Amazon, Sanjin, one of the readers, wrote: “This book takes an interesting angle on Jesus and Christianity by focusing on conflict instead of just peace. That alone makes it stand out a bit. Instead of presenting a neat, polished version of church history, it leans into the disagreements.”
Meanwhile, Steven, another fan, wrote: “Christians generally believe that Jesus was a peaceful person. Yet, he had to deal with conflict during his life, the same as anyone else. How did he do so? And how did his followers deal with conflict in a way that was also in line with Jesus’ teachings? That is what is discussed in detail in this remarkable book. Not only does it talk about what individuals from Jesus’ time did when faced with inevitable Earthly conflict, but it also skips forward in time to discuss what more modern figures did about it. If you’re a Christian, and you’re not sure how to follow Jesus’ teachings of peace in the face of strife, you should find this book helpful.”
Conflict & Peace: At Home with Jesus is available through major online retailers including Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as through other booksellers and the author’s official website.
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