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

Jen and Patrick are joined for a profound conversation with conflict transformation pioneer John Paul Lederach, who shares deep insights on peace, reconciliation, and the power of moral imagination rooted in faith and human connection. They explore the story of Jacob and Esau, why reconciliation is a horizon more than an event, and the four ways to use moral imagination to achieve reconciliation.

Main Topics:

• The biblical story of Jacob and Esau as a model for conflict and reconciliation
• Defining peace as relational, rooted in dignity, love, and justice
• The concept of moral imagination as a tool for peacebuilding across long-standing conflicts
• The importance of interior work, ongoing forgiveness, and relational transformation
• Practical strategies: moving one step at a time, curiosity, creativity, and risking for peace
• The interconnectedness of faith, community, and peace efforts
• The role of hope and multigenerational perspectives in peacebuilding

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

Terryl Givens joins Jen and Patrick as they explore how faith traditions, especially within Christianity and Latter-day Saint teachings, approach the difficult questions surrounding violence in the Old Testament. Terryl shares insights on understanding scripture, God's nature, and the path to peace amidst challenging texts.

Main Topics:

• How do we define peace and its relation to faith, hope, and love?
• The challenge of violence in the Old Testament: historical context and theological reinterpretation
• The Christian and Jewish responses to Old Testament violence, including allegorical and spiritual readings
• The influence of Marcionism and early heresies on Christian views of the Old Testament
• Modern approaches in LDS thought: biblical scholarship, spiritual discernment, and prophetic guidance
• Jesus' editing and reinterpretation of Old Testament scriptures, exemplified in Luke 4
• The personal and relational impact of understanding God's nature through scripture
• Practical pathways for faithful engagement with difficult texts without losing faith

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

Jen is joined by guest co-host Maybree Spilsbury and guest Réka Bordás as we explore the biblical stories of Abraham, Lot, Sarah, and Hagar through the lens of peacemaking, sharing practical insights on conflict resolution, boundary setting, and maintaining relationships amidst differences. Our guests, experienced in conflict transformation and peacemaking, offer valuable advice on fostering connection and peace in family and faith conflicts.

Timestamps:

02:26 - Recognizing patterns in biblical conflicts and personal faith transitions

05:27 - Abraham’s story of migration and parallels to personal journeys

10:09 - Starting organizations to foster family reconciliation and peace

12:18 - Healthy separation and boundary setting in family conflicts

15:29 - Conflict styles: avoidance, competition, and collaboration

20:17 - The importance of maintaining relationships during faith transitions

22:08 - Healing grief and unspoken emotions at the root of conflict

23:49 - Differentiating peace from conditional agreement

25:22 - The role of self-awareness and community in conflict resolution

27:12 - Small steps like listening and vulnerability that promote trust

28:45 - Personal reflections on finding peace through connection

33:50 - Practical tips for loving family members with differing beliefs

36:17 - The transformative power of conflict as a path to deeper relationships

37:10 - Closing remarks and invitation to listen and learn more

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

Patrick and Jen discuss peace and leadership with Rabbi Sam Spector through the story of Joseph. They explore the Hebrew concept of "shalom," meaning complete peace, and its relevance to personal and national contexts. The conversation highlights lessons from intergenerational conflicts in biblical narratives, emphasizing communication and reconciliation. Rabbi Spector shares insights on leadership qualities and the importance of challenging authority respectfully. He also offers practical advice on resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding, providing listeners with valuable insights into fostering peace in relationships and communities.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 - Introduction to biblical concepts of peace and the story of Joseph
• 00:55 - Historical context of Israel’s conflicts and peace treaties
• 03:29 - The story of Joseph: favorite son, dreams, and family conflict
• 06:14 - Intergenerational conflicts: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and sibling rivalry
• 14:53 - The brothers’ revenge, subsequent reconciliation, and lessons on dealing with jealousy
• 20:12 - The danger of using peace as manipulation in relationships
• 26:11 - Joseph's foresight, hope, and resilience in adversity
• 31:53 - Free will, personal responsibility, and the potential for growth in conflict
• 36:26 - Challenging leadership constructively and exemplars from scripture and recent history
• 44:10 - Personal practices for finding inner peace and balance, including family moments
• 48:39 - Connecting biblical stories to contemporary issues of peace-making and leadership

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

Jen and Patrick are joined by Daryl Davis to explore the profound lessons of peace, unity, and diversity through the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. They engage in a compelling dialogue about how understanding, communication, and exposure can transform hatred into harmony. This episode reminds us that peace begins with understanding and that even in the most difficult conversations, empathy and exposure can open pathways toward reconciliation. Bridging divides is about listening, storytelling, and the courage to challenge our perceptions.

Topics Covered:

• The biblical story of the Tower of Babel as a metaphor for human diversity
• The importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding
• How misinformation and ignorance breed fear, hate, and destruction
• Daryl Davis’s personal journey fighting racism and bridging divides
• The power of perception, storytelling, and emotional engagement in conflict resolution
• Practical steps for building peace within oneself and with others
• Diversity as a designed feature for learning rather than a flaw to be eradicated
• Communication as the most effective tool to defuse hostility
• Exposure and travel as means to broaden understanding and challenge stereotypes
• Listening as a critical skill in addressing deeply held beliefs and perceptions
• The importance of internal peace as a foundation for external harmony

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