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

Jen and Patrick are joined by Sarah Perkins to explore the profound ways stories shape our understanding of peace, justice, and reconciliation. They focus on the contrasting peacemaking styles of Old Testament prophets Elijah and Elisha. Sarah shares her journey as a writer, filmmaker, and peacemaker, emphasizing the power of faith, imagination, and human connection in transforming conflicts into moments of compassion.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction: The biblical and modern models of peacemaking

(03:19) Elijah as a prophet of justice and the challenge of non-passive activism

(07:44) The importance of speaking truth without contempt or dehumanizing others

(11:27) How to be conflict-avoidant while still advocating for justice

(15:35) The differences between Elijah's fiery approach and Elisha's humble miracles

(20:14) The role of small acts of kindness in peacebuilding and social change

(25:05) Using stories like "They that be with us" to expand moral imagination

(32:10) Insights from international peacemaking efforts in Northern Ireland

(36:29) The power of storytelling, especially in faith contexts, to foster hope

(39:00) How children can inspire adults to love and imagine peace

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

Marianne Viray joins Jen and Patrick to delve into the dynamics of conflict and peacemaking within leadership and society, drawing lessons from the biblical story of Jonathan, David, and Saul. They explore how leadership decisions can influence societal polarization and offer practical tools for engaging with leaders respectfully. The discussion emphasizes the importance of modeling civility and virtue in public discourse and provides strategies for individuals to break cycles of conflict. The conversation highlights the power of personal transformation, empathy, and community action in fostering a respectful and civil society.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Peace in the context of biblical conflict resolutions

06:39 - Navigating disagreement with leaders respectfully

15:34 - Disagree Better: reducing polarization through leadership modeling

23:17 - The basis of true peace: love, empathy, and recognition of human complexity

30:12 - The power of small, intentional acts in societal peacebuilding

38:32 - Engaging civility in city councils and local government

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org