Jen and Patrick are joined by James Patton to explore the multidimensional nature of peace, emphasizing its relational and movement-driven aspects. Drawing from his rich spiritual journey and extensive experience in peacebuilding across cultures and faiths, James offers nuanced perspectives on community, faith, truth, and conflict. They discuss the Old Testament idea of a chosen people, how that relates to diverse faith groups today, and how to avoid conflict when believing in chosenness.

TIMESTAMPS:

[01:36] The theme of chosenness in the Old Testament — beauty and tension

[04:55] Introducing James Patton — career in religion, conflict transformation, and global peacebuilding

[08:45] Defining peace: relationship, mutuality, and progressive healing over harm

[12:19] James's path to peacebuilding — Peace Corps in Paraguay and the power of community

[15:02] Faith journey: from Catholic roots to Quaker practice and interfaith work

[22:34] Two models of chosenness — zero-sum in/out vs. inclusive divine invitation

[27:30] Case study: reducing sectarian violence in Pakistan by elevating identity rather than erasing it

[35:41] Truth, religion, and peacebuilding — static vs. relational understandings of truth

[41:06] Navigating simple and complex worldviews — how different people hold truth

[46:34] Integrity in practice — restorative vs. punitive justice, and the difficulty of living your values

[50:39] Where James finds peace — Wendell Berry's The Want of Peace and The Peace of Wild Things

Find more show notes and transcript at https://proclaimpeace.org