Challenging the dysfunctional dynamics of a world in crisis: Religious-based approaches to peace and reconciliation Images from

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" - בַּקֵּשׁ שָלוֹם וְרָדְפֵהוּ 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" - שָלוֹם שָלוֹם לָרָחוֹק וְלַקָּרוֹב

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

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