1. Chapter 11 The Challenge of Peace: Christian Resolution of Conflict 11.1

2. Christian Resolution of Conflict Approaches to Resolving Conflict Pacifism Christianity and Peacemaking 11.2

3. Life and Dignity of the Human Person Solidarity Principles of Catholic Social Teaching 11.3

4. Approaches to Resolving Conflict Continuum of Conflict Resolution Three prominent standpoints –Militarism is the glorification of the use of violence to solve conflicts. –The just-war theory is the belief that violence is evil, however when all other means of resolving a conflict have been exhausted, then violence may need to be employed. –Pacifism is conflict resolution through non- violent means. 11.4

5. The Just-War Theory Conditions to be met before war. Just cause Legitimate authority Right intention Last resort Reasonable hope of success Comparative justice Conditions to be met during war. Noncombatant immunity Proportionality U.S. Catholic Bishops, The Challenge of Peace 11.5

6. The Just-War Theory Applied After a Conflict Repentance –Along with the celebration of the end of war, repentance for all pain suffered by both sides of conflict should occur. Honorable Surrender –Preserving the honor of those who are surrendering. Restoration –Restoring a defeated country to lessen the suffering of innocent victims. 11.6

7. Pacifism vs. Passivity Pacifism –Active –Involved –Passionate concern –Strong and Forceful –Struggling with conflicts Passivity –Passive –Uninvolved –Unemotional lack of interest –Weak and indifferent –Avoiding conflicts 11.7

8. Pacifism Before Conflict Creating a Climate of Peace Rooting Out the Causes of Conflict The Spiral of Violence Injustice itself is a first level of violence. If victims of injustice respond violently under the weight of their oppression, then second-level violence occurs. Authorities who forcefully crack down on second-level violence are engaging in a third level of violence, and the spiral of violence continues. Pacifism tries to end violence at each level of its spiral. 11.8

9. Pacifism During Conflict Requires as much energy, creativity, strength, wisdom and courage as violence does. “Right makes might.” or satyagraha (Gandhi) Violent ways of resolving a conflict lead to false resolutions Both sides in a conflict possess some truth A conflict is not resolved until both parties agree to a common solution. 11.9

10. Civil Disobedience Civil disobedience is breaking a law for what one considers just and moral reasons Civil disobedience involves: – Breaking only those laws considered unjust. – Accepting the legal penalties for breaking the law. – Making a clear, public statement of intentions. – Ensuring that no harm is caused to persons. 11.10

11. Christianity and Peacemaking War and peace in the bible Jesus and pacifism – “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) – The Gospel of Peace: the notion of ‘enemy’ is rejected, for all are our neighbors. The Church and the Gospel of Peace – “ Peace is not just the absence of war…. Like a cathedral, peace must be constructed patiently and with unshakable faith.” Pope John Paul II, “Homily at Coventry Cathedral.” 11.11

12. Vocabulary Review Continuum of conflict resolution (p. 268): The degree to which someone will accept violence as a means for resolving conflicts, ranging from absolute acceptance to absolute rejection. Militarism (p. 269): Enthusiastically advocating the use of righteous violence; glorifying the use of violence to resolve conflicts. V11.1

13. Vocabulary Review Pacifism (p. 277): Conflict resolution through nonviolent means. Spiral of violence (p. 280): An injustice which leads to violence and an attempt to crush that violence with more violence. Satyagraha (p. 281): Truth force; soul force; belief that right has power rather than “might makes right.” V11.2

14. Vocabulary Review Civil disobedience (p. 283): Breaking a law for what one considers just and moral reasons. Blockade (p. 283): Preventing the transport of goods to their intended destination. V11.3