|
Peace & Justice
John Paul Lederach, professor emeritus of international peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame, senior fellow at Humanity United and author of “The Pocket Guide for Facing Down a Civil War,” wrote an opinion piece on a recipe for cooling down American politics. It may be timely and useful to see a secular perspective of hope for easing the political divide after this upcoming election. We as Christians pray for our country and leaders, but this article can help us approach the population that does not put their trust in God. It could give us tools to be peacemakers and share God's love for us all.
Lederach points out that divisions are not new in our country, but in recent years the divisions are more widespread. He observed, “but not all the news is bad. Research published in late July confirms an important finding: Across partisan divides, Americans greatly overestimate the willingness of their adversaries to use violence. That means we have a rare opportunity to de-escalate.”
He shares a vase study of how leader in the factions on Columbia sat down to talks in Valledupar, Columbia to curb the violence and bring stability to the country. During honest and open discussion, the participants began to have empathy for each other and began to see their enemies were seeking less violence just like them. These talks were successful and Lederach shares lessons learned in his article.
First, we have to reach beyond our bubble of those who share our political viewpoint. Then, through engagement, we rehumanize our adversaries. And finally, we have to stick with it as initial interactions begin to expand to more challenging differences. He offers even more ideas, including just pausing to consider the “other's” point of view and experiences.
Here is the full article link. It has been gifted for those who don't subscribe to the Washington Post. The gift link expires in a couple of days.
For those with a subscription:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/08/15/american-civil-war-e
| 
