Biblical Perspectives on Conflict Management and Peacemaking
OUTLINE
I. Introduction
II. Basic Conflict Concepts
III. Peacemaking
IV. The Author’s Life Lessons
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND PEACEMAKING
Introduction As descendants of Adam and Eve, one has a few realities to grapple with. This reality is based in the fact that one has a sin nature. Sin is present and influences everyday life. The world is evil, life is hard and conflict happens because sin is a reality of this world. One does not accept the world just as it is but makes an effort to reform it. Life is difficult but one seeks means by which to lighten the load along the broken road of life. One is motivated to exert resources toward improving the world and the living of life because he knows that the outcome is rewarding.
Everyday people recycle and reuse to stop the horrors of global warming in an effort to improve the world. One is likely to work hard to keep physically fit in order to improve his quality of life. But why is it that only Miss America and anti-war campaigns scream for peace? Why does not every person strive and seek after peace? Why is one more likely to support Al Gore or spend hundreds of dollars each year sculpting firm abs than to spend a few hours dealing with conflict?
The emphasis on the physical seems especially illogical when both the material world and one’s body will pass away. Peacemakers will be called ‘sons of God’ and live eternally (Matt 5:19). Will anyone remember the athletic, healthy supporters of the Green movement to save the world from global warming in eternity? This is yet to be seen. But one can know for sure that peacemaking through conflict has eternal benefits. Basic Concepts of Conflict
The Cause of Conflict
Scripture—quite literally from beginning to end—teaches that sin is the root cause of all conflict. The first book of the Bible describes a scene of conflict that has far ranging effects. Satan was in
I. Introduction
II. Basic Conflict Concepts
III. Peacemaking
IV. The Author’s Life Lessons
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND PEACEMAKING
Introduction As descendants of Adam and Eve, one has a few realities to grapple with. This reality is based in the fact that one has a sin nature. Sin is present and influences everyday life. The world is evil, life is hard and conflict happens because sin is a reality of this world. One does not accept the world just as it is but makes an effort to reform it. Life is difficult but one seeks means by which to lighten the load along the broken road of life. One is motivated to exert resources toward improving the world and the living of life because he knows that the outcome is rewarding.
Everyday people recycle and reuse to stop the horrors of global warming in an effort to improve the world. One is likely to work hard to keep physically fit in order to improve his quality of life. But why is it that only Miss America and anti-war campaigns scream for peace? Why does not every person strive and seek after peace? Why is one more likely to support Al Gore or spend hundreds of dollars each year sculpting firm abs than to spend a few hours dealing with conflict?
The emphasis on the physical seems especially illogical when both the material world and one’s body will pass away. Peacemakers will be called ‘sons of God’ and live eternally (Matt 5:19). Will anyone remember the athletic, healthy supporters of the Green movement to save the world from global warming in eternity? This is yet to be seen. But one can know for sure that peacemaking through conflict has eternal benefits. Basic Concepts of Conflict
The Cause of Conflict
Scripture—quite literally from beginning to end—teaches that sin is the root cause of all conflict. The first book of the Bible describes a scene of conflict that has far ranging effects. Satan was in