Peacemaker Project

Conflict is inevitable in any personal relationship or among members of any group. While we encounter many types of conflict in our lifetime, we often look for ways to avoid conflict. So, why do we run away from dealing with our conflict? It is often because many of us fear the conflict will escalate into a situation we will not be able to sustain. “As conflicts escalate, they go through certain incremental transformations. Although these transformations occur separately on each side, they affect the conflict as a whole because they are usually mirrored by the other side. As a result of these transformations, the conflict is intensified in ways that are sometimes exceedingly difficult to undo” (Pruitt, and Kim 89). We

Navigating the Different Responses to Conflict Conflict is an inevitable part of human life that produces a variety of responses that reflect the unique characteristics of an individual’s mindset and approach to the conflict. People exhibit a plethera of reactions when going through conflict, from composed conversations to ferocious protests. The manner in which someone chooses to deal with problems reflects their personality and attitude toward resolving conflicts. When you confront a problem calmly and with a positive way of thinking, you will be able to foster empathy and a sense of connection with others, while being able to express your viewpoint clearly. This will enable you to build strong and long-lasting relationships and settle conflicts without hurting you or anyone else.

1a. Who was involved in the conflict? What was the relationship between the participants prior to the conflict? Did it appear as if the relationship between the participants had any impact on how either person responded to the conflict?

“Conflict Resolution is an essential element of life, but a task filled with so many diverse issues, that not many can engage in it without feeling a bit unprepared. Through the grace of God we have been given a wonderful ministry of reconciliation and direct commands to live at peace with others”. (Nemitz, 2013) In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul teaches that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, to serve others, and to grow to be like Christ. This concern for faithfulness to God, compassion and mercy towards others, and righteous behavior is echoed throughout Scripture. In Michah 6:8 we are told, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does

Before this exercise, I’ll admit that I didn’t have much understanding of the difference between Catholicism and Protestantism. Growing up in the United States certainly exposed me to Christianity, but I did not know the differences between significant denominations. From my interviews and services, it’s clear that Catholicism and Nondenominational Christianity are very similar outside of the adherence to teachings of the Catholic church and the Pope. Admittedly, these groups are largely similar because they both are varieties of Christianity, but attending worship services really emphasizes the closely related teachings of these two groups, and possibly of all religions. As we have discussed before, even if a religion doesn’t wholly create peace, they are attempting to spread unity through the means they believe best. Catholicism and Nondenominational Christianity

When the white canoe put in near a town or village, people hurried to see and hear this rumored ‘Man from the North’ Mother of Nations promised would come to them. Some of the women spoke about how youthful he looked to be a prophet. Warriors and boys appeared perplexed at this, but the women were shaken. When they were told Hiawatha accompanied him and would speak for him, alarm broke out.

In order for conflict to be resolved both sides must understand one another’s concerns and be willing to compromise, thus understanding is the first step to resolution. According to Varshney (2001), “promoting communication between members of different religious communities, civic networks often make neighborhood-level peace possible. Routine engagement allows people to come together and form organizations in times of tension” (p. 375). Additionally, the Varshney (2001) article states that if institutions are created that cater to the cultural, economic, and social needs of both sides then the support for peace in the community become strong. Getting people to try to see eye to eye and co-exist without conflict is a great solution to ethnic conflict. According to constructivists ethnicity and in turn ethnic conflict is what people make of it and that race can be made and erased. According to this idea, resolution can come from getting people to see ethnicity and ethnic conflict differently by promoting communication.

He specifically says “peacemakers” because he wants us to be the ones that go out of our way to create peace instead of laying back and just becoming the peace keepers. When we become “peacekeepers,” we become the guard who watches over and serves as practically no help until violence breaks out. We aren't supposed to be the ones to stand back and watch, but instead we should be the ones to step out and make the peace. We are sent to create peace to keep mayhem from happening. It will mean that we give up seeking justice when we are wronged or wishing that someone would have revenge on another. You may have to take a risk for others even when it may seem frightening and it will not be easy, but we are rewarded through Christ. Through him we are given the hope for peace. He gave us the gift of love and salvation so we should use it. Spreading peace is not easy. It is a challenge because many may fight against you, and try to stop you. Peace is not an easy thing to create, but it is such a small price to pay or the gift that we received from

Peacemaking Circles: Circles are method of dialogue, which serve to discuss particular issues, facilitate understanding, and heal broken relationships. Circles are places of listening and of hearing what it’s like to be someone else. They’re also places for expressing what’s on our minds and hearts and having others receive it deeply. The life stories are naturally transforming” Circles operate on the principles of respect, equality, and consensus-based decision-making. Circles can be held proactively to discuss upcoming decisions and to receive participant input, or they can occur as an intervention to deal with a wrongdoing that has been committed. Though circles are strongly rooted in healing traditions, peacemaking circles are commonly

Theoretically significant to conflict is social identity theory. It allows “predictions to incorporate who is likely to perceive and act in group terms, to remain committed to the group in times of crisis” Turner (1999), Doosje & Ellemers, (1999). Bar-Tal stresses conflict exists when an incompatible goal exists between two groups. The question of when incompatibility sets become important in understanding the cause of inter-ethnic or communal conflicts for instance, even more importantly; conflict within ingroup. Inter-ethnic or communal conflict because within the scope of peacebuilding, that is the point where building peace thrives the most. There is an assumption that for peacebuilding to be

The bible also offers guidance on the importance of inner peace and how to achieve it. Jesus taught to seek reconciliation

Another conflict resolution method is attempting to resolve a conflict by speaking the truth in love. This in all aspects will take the power of God and the Holy Spirit; all have heard the saying that “It’s not what you say, but how you say it”. This is where speaking truth in love comes into play in a matter of conflict resolution. As the Bible states on the subject of love, “Love is

A "biblical guide to resolving personal conflict", this, in a nutshell is what "The Peace Maker" is all about. In this critical book review I will be taking topics from the book and giving the reader my personal views on how I either reacted or related to the topics covered. My goal for this paper is to give the reader a non-biased opinion of "The Peace Maker", which was published by Baker Books in June of 2004.

 "Effective conflict resolution requires dealing constructively with disagreements rather than pushing them under the rug, letting them break into open warfare, or attempting to eliminate them completely.  Successful resolution of a conflict may include the following: accurate diagnosis of the nature and source of the conflict, a clear understanding of how each party is contributing to the conflict, skills and processes for defining alternatives, constructively negotiating outcomes, and creatively developing win-win resolutions" (Hagberg Consulting Group, 1).

As the dream of a two state solution slips away, academia and politicians focus on a one state reality. Although one state between the Jordan River and Mediterranean Sea is the de facto situation (Mearsheimer 144), Palestinians are deprived of basic rights, including freedom of movement and political rights. The elongated peace process has been used as a stalling tactic to build Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, displacing an increasing number of Palestinians. Islamic groups discourage peace talks or any notion of the normalization of relations with Israel (Haass 57). A successful negotiation and subsequent diplomatic relations between Israel and the international community would deter terrorist activity. For these reasons, a renewal of a sense of urgency is critical to the negotiation of a successful peace plan. Palestinian unity and organization are vital to the possibility of peace. The United States must foster a sustainable peace efficiently and effectively. Therefore, the USs, as the global mediator and primary third party, must endorse a comprehensive one state solution in Israel and Palestine focusing on the development of integrative power sharing methods.