Peace And Conflict Flashcards
Peace
Peace does not just mean ‘no war’. It is possible to live in a country that is not fighting a war, but where the citizens do not live peaceful lives. For example they might have no food, or no way to earn a living; or they might be afraid of the police or the government. In a peaceful society everybody has enough to live comfortably, so there is no need for conflict and arguments. When we fight a war we should ensure that we bring about peace for citizens from both sides.
Peace scripture
Isaiah writes about a time when God is in charge: ‘They will turn their swords into ploughs . . . Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore’.
Justice
Everybody gets what they deserve, so a criminal loses their freedom, a hard working citizen is paid a decent wage, a child has an equal start in life and so on. Sometimes it is necessary to fight against injustice – for example Dietrich Bonhoeffer stood up against the Nazi treatment of Jews, gypsies, homosexuals and the disabled.
Justice scripture
In the Old Testament Isaiah gave the people a message from God: ‘loose the chains of injustice . . . set the oppressed free’.
Everybody deserves to be treated equally because we are all ‘made in the image of God’
Jesus said ‘whatever you do for the least of my brothers you do for me’
Reconciliation
This takes place after a conflict and involves a conscious effort to rebuild a relationship with your enemy. War crimes on both sides must be tried, prisoners of war released, and the peace treaty must not punish one side unfairly (or this could lead to future wars). Countries should be given help to re-build their infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals, police and justice systems, they might need help setting up democratic elections for a new government etc.) There might be new trade deals, or international events which will bring countries together (sport, music etc)
Reconciliation scripture
Saint Paul writes “Do not repay evil for evil . . . but overcome evil with good”.
Jesus said ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself’. When a war is over, you should want for your enemy what you want for yourself – this should be part of the reconciliation process. Jesus also said ‘love your enemies.’
