“Peace in a Violent World”

Pre-Wild Goose Festival Workshop | Thursday, August 28, 2025

Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
Topic: Peace in a Violent World
Speakers: James Warren, Jennifer Bashaw, Paul Nuechterlein & Ellen Corcella

In an era of increasing polarization, finding paths to peace has never been more urgent. This participatory workshop explores groundbreaking insights into human rivalry, conflict, and scapegoating, based upon the work of Rene’ Girard —and how the Gospel story offers transformative power for breaking cycles of violence.

Perfect for: All individuals seeking to find find a way towards peace in a violent world.

Morning Sessions

Session 1: Understanding the Cycle, or How we got into this violent mess—and how we might be led out
James Warren (author of “Compassion or Apocalypse: A Comprehensible Guide to the Thought of Rene’ Girard,” theologian & professional magician) introduces Girard’s insights into rivalry and scapegoating, plus how Jesus’ story breaks these patterns.

Session 2: A Girardian Reading of the Gospels, or How all four Gospels tells a transformative story for peace that far too many have completely missed
Jennifer Garcia Bashaw (Campbell University Professor, author of “Scapegoats: The Gospel through the Eyes of the Victims“) explores Jesus’ anti-scapegoating work, offering hope especially for ex-vangelicals.

Afternoon Sessions

Session 3: Case Study – Faith in Adversity or How a former prosecutor turned minister and hospital chaplain learned to help others embody love, mercy, and courage in response to trauma.
Ellen Corcella (author of “Walk with Me: A Journey through the Landscape of Trauma,” hospital chaplain,  and host of Faith & Resiliencepodcast) shares how embodying nonviolent love transformed her trauma care ministry.

Session 4: Case Study – Preaching Nonviolent Good News, or How an ordinary pastor helped thousands of pastors learn to read the scripture through Jesus’ nonviolent, non-retributive, peacemaking lens
Paul Nuechterlein (Pastor, creator of GirardianLectionary.net) demonstrates how peace-centered Gospel reading revolutionizes ministry.

Ready to explore peacemaking and community transformation?

Tickets may be purchased at the Wild Goose Festival Homepage.

Use Ambassador Code A-EC to get $50 off the Adult Weekend Ticket.