Biblical Faith and Paths of Peace

• Published in: Toronto journal of theology Vol. 26; no. Supplement 1; pp. 81 - 95
• Main Author: Vennen, Mark Vander
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Toronto School of Theology 01.11.2010
• Subjects: Biblical studies; Calvin, John (1509-64); Faith; Peace; Theology; War
• ISSN: 0826-9831; 1918-6371
• DOI: 10.3138/tjt.26.suppl_1.81

As well as providing statistics and information about current military conflict and inhumane weaponry, this article brings a biblical perspective to bear on the contemporary realities of peace and conflict. In the face of the most violent century on record (the twentieth century) and the unrelenting advancement of contemporary military technological development, the author argues that it is a mistake to privilege the narrow just war / pacifist polarity. In using it as the interpretive framework for understanding the multifaceted issues of human conflict, we tend to subvert a larger and more constructive engagement with the challenge of armed conflict and its resolution. Calvin's unremarkable adherence to the just war theory does not offer a contribution to contemporary peace-building. However, his anthropology, rooted in the positioning of humanity in relationship to the living God, can provide a theological undergirding for current peace-building approaches, including in the current conflict in Afghanistan.