Religion, Violence and Peace The conflict in Southern Thailand as a case study

The religious dimension of violence The religious dimension of violence 9/ Islamic terrorism? 9/ Islamic terrorism? Oslo/ Christian terrorism? Oslo/ Christian terrorism? What are the lessons? What are the answers? Secular Humanism? What are the lessons? What are the answers? Secular Humanism?

The religious dimension of peace The religious dimension of peace Secular Humanism and the reduction of violence. Secular Humanism and the reduction of violence. Secular Humanism as a foundation for a peaceful society? Secular Humanism as a foundation for a peaceful society? The religious foundations for sacrifice and a sense of our common humanity The religious foundations for sacrifice and a sense of our common humanity

Background of the conflict in Southern Thailand The Malay Kingdom of Patani (16 th -19 th century) The Malay Kingdom of Patani (16 th -19 th century) Annexation by Siam in early 20 th century Annexation by Siam in early 20 th century The cultural council of the 1950s (assimilation policy) The cultural council of the 1950s (assimilation policy) Thai nationalism and Patani nationalism Thai nationalism and Patani nationalism Armed liberation movements (1960s ….) Armed liberation movements (1960s ….) Increase of violence since 2004 Increase of violence since 2004

The role of religion in peace processes in southern Thailand The role of religion in peace processes in southern Thailand In what sense is this a religious conflict? In what sense is this a religious conflict? Inter and intra religious dialogue and the work of the National Reconciliation Commission Inter and intra religious dialogue and the work of the National Reconciliation Commission

The role of culture in peace processes in southern Thailand The role of culture in peace processes in southern Thailand Reimagining what it means to be Thai Reimagining what it means to be Thai Islam and the problem of Thainess (the importance of a sense of belonging) Islam and the problem of Thainess (the importance of a sense of belonging)

The Chularajamontris (1990) answers to some of the questions posed by the Thai government. QOn various occasions when the person presiding opens the occasion by the lighting of incense and candles in homage to the Buddha, those in the audience stand in respect. Buddhists must put their palms together (panom mue) while muslims stand straight. Is this in accordance with the teachings of Islam? QOn various occasions when the person presiding opens the occasion by the lighting of incense and candles in homage to the Buddha, those in the audience stand in respect. Buddhists must put their palms together (panom mue) while muslims stand straight. Is this in accordance with the teachings of Islam? AMuslims should remain seated. AMuslims should remain seated.

QWhen Muslim students do the respect to Teachers ceremony prior to boxing matches or QWhen Muslim students do the respect to Teachers ceremony prior to boxing matches or sword dances, is this in violation of the teaching of Islam. sword dances, is this in violation of the teaching of Islam. ABowing on hands and knees in respect to any other then Allah is in violation of the ABowing on hands and knees in respect to any other then Allah is in violation of the teaching of Islam, whatever the occasion may be. teaching of Islam, whatever the occasion may be.

QOn various important National Days, such as King Chulalongkorn Day, wreaths are placed QOn various important National Days, such as King Chulalongkorn Day, wreaths are placed before the statue of King Chulalongkorn followed by a ceremony of paying respect by bowing on before the statue of King Chulalongkorn followed by a ceremony of paying respect by bowing on hands and knees. Can Muslims participate by standing straight and bowing their head in hands and knees. Can Muslims participate by standing straight and bowing their head in respect? Would this be in violation of Islam? respect? Would this be in violation of Islam? APaying homage to images is in violation of Islam, whether it be statues or portraits. APaying homage to images is in violation of Islam, whether it be statues or portraits.

QAre various uniforms such as boy scouts or sports shorts in violation of Islamic teaching? QAre various uniforms such as boy scouts or sports shorts in violation of Islamic teaching? A Such attire is in violation of Islamic teachings. A Such attire is in violation of Islamic teachings.

QCan Muslims participate in Buddhist funerals? QCan Muslims participate in Buddhist funerals? ATaking part in Buddhist funeral ceremonies is contrary to the teachings of Islam. It is best to offer condolences and assistance to the family of the deceased but not attend the funeral. ATaking part in Buddhist funeral ceremonies is contrary to the teachings of Islam. It is best to offer condolences and assistance to the family of the deceased but not attend the funeral.

QIs paying respect to the portrait of the King in various ceremonies in violation of the QIs paying respect to the portrait of the King in various ceremonies in violation of the teachings of Islam? teachings of Islam? AStanding in respect in front of the Kings portrait is not in violation. Bowing ones head slightly is considered inappropriate, but not forbidden. Bowing ones head to the level of Ruku is forbidden. AStanding in respect in front of the Kings portrait is not in violation. Bowing ones head slightly is considered inappropriate, but not forbidden. Bowing ones head to the level of Ruku is forbidden.

Addressing the conflict Military or political solution? Military or political solution? Development and/or dialogue with those opposed to the State. Development and/or dialogue with those opposed to the State. Beginning of dialogue: Understanding how we hurt others. Beginning of dialogue: Understanding how we hurt others.