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peace
Conflict and Post-Conflict Transformation
Violence in the contemporary world is often linked in the media to religious extremists or fundamentalists.
Fundamentalism, strictly speaking, was a term first used at the end of the nineteenth century by Christians who affirmed the verbal inerrancy of the Bible and a substitutionary theory of the Atonement. The term now, perhaps rather unhelpfully, is applied to ultra-conservative members of other religions, although it is misleading to assume that because all Muslims accept the Qur’an as a direct revelation from God, they are all necessarily ‘fundamentalist’ in the pejorative sense that the word has acquired.
It is important to distinguish between traditionalists and fundamentalists. Traditionalists have grown up in a religiously monochrome society and may never have questioned the truth of their religion. Many people have grown up with the unquestioned assumption that the religion into which they were born was true and that members of other religions were misguided, unenlightened, heathen or even destined to damnation. As societies become increasingly multi-religious, these assumptions are called in question. Read more
Many voices now call for religious people to follow the way of non-violence. At the Millennium World Peace Summit, the Religious and Spiritual Leaders declared their commitment and determination ‘to manage and resolve non-violently the conflicts generated by religious and ethnic differences, and to condemn all violence committed in the name of religion while seeking to remove the roots of the violence.’ How far does this go? Are religions really prepared no longer to sanction the use of violence in self defence and in protection of human rights? Are religions at the institutional and leadership level ready to make this commitment and, if so, how many political leaders would listen to them?
Although all religions teach the importance of peace and loving kindness, historically, many dimensions of religious life seem to cause division rather than unity, Further, in the past, religion has been directly linked with violence in several ways. Increasingly, however, a growing number of people of faith would like to see religion as an effective influence for human unity, for peace and for the relief of suffering. This has been the hope of those active in interfaith movements. In the last decade this hope is beginning to be taken seriously by international institutions and by some political leaders. The rather sombre analysis of the past, however, may be necessary to avoid exaggerated hopes of what religions can achieve in reducing conflict and to be aware how easily religion can be co-opted to support violence.
What can People of Faith do to reduce Conflict? They have a major preventative task in helping to remove causes of conflict. They can make a valuable contribution to peace building after conflict. Maybe this is more than can be achieved during a conflict. Over the last hundred years interfaith groups have done significant work in transforming the attitude of members of one faith community to members of other faiths, but this work has been of only limited success, partly because of lack of resources and partly because many people are not very interested in their own religion let alone other peoples’ religions. Read more
Should Religion Endorse the Use of Violence? How far are religious leader prepared to go in disowning violence? David L Coppola has indicated various ways in which religion has been directly linked with violence. He discusses the place of sacrifice and suggests that where there is not an authentic relationship with the divine, then ‘religion has functioned as a vehicle to manufacture the power of awe, fear and transcendence through violence and death.’
Secondly, religion is directly linked with violence when it functions as a dividing force between believers and non-believers. He cites the case of Pope Urban II during the First Crusade telling the crusaders to enact violence because God was on their side. More recently religious leaders have been gathered at the White House to pray for the successful bombing of another country. Thirdly, he mentions people affiliated with religious groups who consciously encourage the use of violence. Read more
Common Action: As people of different faiths meet and get to know each other they will begin to talk about a range of issues. Some will discuss theology and philosophy, others will want to learn about ways of prayer and meditation. Some will want to engage together in social action or witness. Some governments are also becoming more aware of the important contribution that faith communities can make to national life. Read more
For a Buddhist response, read From
Vulnerability to Virtuosity: Buddhist Reflection on Responding to Terrorism
and Tragedy
Contents / Introduction / Prayers / Peace or Conflict / Peaceful Relations / Peace Issues / Conflict / Reconciliation / Peace Initiatives / Messengers of Peace / Summary / Inspiration / Real Peace / Resources
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interfaith organisations network 2003 |