A Christina Contribution To A More Peaceful Social Environment

In Miroslav Volf’s article, A Christina Contribution to a More Peaceful Social Environment, argues that society’s belief that resurgence of the Christian religion increases violence is not true. In fact he explains that it is quite the contrary stating, “…the more we nurture Christian faith as an ongoing tradition that by its intrinsic content shapes behavior and in its regulative reach touches the public sphere, the better off we will be” (p. 29). He furthers this argument by exploring the relationship between forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. At the center of the Christian faith there is a “God of unconditional love who reconciles humanity without condoning injustice “ (p.49). If Christians truly embraced these concepts then this will foster peace even in …show more content…
In my opinion, Volf made some very interesting points that I found myself agreeing to. I am a Christian who believes that America is struggling and suffering because it has gradually grown further and further away from the religious values we were founded upon, so Volf’s statement that the more society embraces the Christian faith, the better. However, I only partially believe Volf’s belief that violence is not an inevitable result of religion, but rather a result or distortion of what religion should be. The fact is that we are imperfect beings with a sinful nature. No way around it. Even without religious distortion crimes will be committed because we are born with a sinful nature. Will a better understanding and proper practice of Christian doctrine mitigate violence? Maybe, but I am not sure that there is a real way to measure this. Should the Christian faith be used as a resource to keep peace? In terms of conflict management within an