Challenging the dysfunctional dynamics of a world in crisis:

Religious-based approaches to peace and reconciliation

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Jewish Teachings on Peace:

The Hebrew bible contains many sources for religious peacebuilding. Some examples:• Deut 30: 19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses

against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live

Lev 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself.

Lev 19:34 The stranger residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were once strangers in Egypt.

Psalms 11:5: The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.

Jewish Teachings

Psalms 34:15: "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" - שלום ב�ק�ש ורדפ�הו

Isaiah 2:4 & Micah 4:3 They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Isaiah 57:19: Peace, peace to the distant and the close" - קרוב� ול לרחוק שלום שלום

Christian Teachings on Peace

The gospels and epistles of the New Testament are often drawn upon for religious peace-building. Some of the more common examples are:"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a

tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also". (Matt. 5:38-39)

"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Matt. 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-28)

"Put your sword back in its place...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." (Matt. 26:52)

Christian Teachings

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matt. 5:9)

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Rom. 14:19)

“As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Rom. 12:18)

What can religion offer to peace-making and reconciliation?

The attributes that religious leaders and institutions can offer in promoting peace and reconciliation, include:Credibility as a trusted institution;A respected set of values;Moral warrants for opposing injustice on the part of

governments;Unique leverage for promoting reconciliation among

conflicting parties, including an ability to re-humanize situations that have become dehumanized over the course of protracted conflict;

What can religion offer to peace-making and reconciliation?

A capability to mobilize community, nation, and international support for a peace process;

An ability to follow through locally in the wake of a political settlement; and

A sense of calling that often inspires perseverance in the face of major, otherwise debilitating, obstacles.

 

Four key areas which religion can contribute to: Building trust through mutual understanding

and empathy Advocating moral warrants for opposing injustice Demonstration of love and care for your

neighbour or the stranger Facilitating the process of apology and

forgiveness

War and Ethnic Cleansing in Bosnia-HerzegovinaImages from www.googleimages.com

B-H Women’s Working Group

Christian-Muslim Conflict in NigeriaImages from: www.google.com

Pastor Wuye and Imam AshafaImages from: www.google.com

The Division of Korea

Hyun-Sook Lee & Women Making PeaceImages from: www.google.com