PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE - The Possibilities

The Possibilities of Living in Peace 

Generally, scholars, practitioners and activists have underscored peace with variations from the philosophical, sociological, political, economic, religious and even commonsense perspective. From whatever perspective, peace remains an important element that continues to receive the attention of all sectors in the society.

Despite the general knowledge of peace; there are variations to its meaning especially through the lenses of philosophy, sociology and politics. According to a philosopher, peace “is a natural, God-given state of human existence without the corruptive tendencies of man.” According to sociologists, peace refers to a condition of social harmony in which there are no social antagonisms among people or group in a given community. For the political scientists, peace is a political condition that makes justice possible in any given society thereby entailing political order. Similarly, cultures and civilization have different viewpoints of peace.

For instance, in a society that is constantly perpetuated with violence and armed conflict, it will view peace as the absence of war and violence. In a political community governed by unjust policies, it may interpret peace with the presence of freedom and justice. In a society that is materially deprived or in poverty situation, it may perceive peace as equality, development and have the basic needs of life. 

From whichever perspective, renowned scholars, practitioners and activist of peace have attributed different related meanings of peace into six: 

1. Peace is the absence of war 

2. Peace is the absence of direct violence 

3. Peace is the absence of injustice 

4. Peace is the absence of fear 

5. Peace is the presence of respect and 

6. Peace is the presence of tolerance

Although several conceptions and models of peace have been advanced in which peace research might prosper, it should further be understood that peace is a natural social condition, and war is not. For peace scholars, students and advocates, such information is good enough for a rational group of decision makers to avoid conflict, violence or war. This is because, violence is considered morally sinful, and therefore non-violence which is virtuous should be cultivated in the society as advanced by a variety of religious groups. Indeed, its importance lies in the fact that: 

1. Peace is a sine qua non to development.
2. It is being eroded by perennial conflicts.
3. Their occurrence pervades virtually all spheres of the national life.
4. The effects of the conflicts are many and multi-dimensional.
5. Insecurity of lives and properties is one of the consequences of conflicts.
6. Steps should be taken to control conflicts and ensure peace in society through preventive measures instead of reactive measures. 

Six Ways to Manage Crisis and Prevent Conflict

A difference in the opinions, values, understandings and thought processes of individuals lead to conflict. The following vital points will be helpful in our individual life, marriage, relationships, organizations, businesses, communities and otherwise. 

1. Continue being a good listener. Never stick to an inflexible opinion.
2. Avoid having to be right all the time.
3. Take some time alone, if it’s a relationship conflict.
4. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
5. Plan important discussions.
6. Get counseling or mediation (talk to someone about it but talk to God first about it).

Follow Peace! Pursue Peace! Flourish in Peace!

Shalom!



Excerpts from God's Original Plan by PraiseGod Wome