From the issue dated September 28, 2001
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Building Peace to Combat Religious TerrorBy R. SCOTT APPLEBY
After September 11, signs of hope appeared in the denunciation of extremist violence by Muslim leaders. Denouncing violence perpetrated by co-religionists is a courageous act that must be repeated in the months and years ahead. But it must be complemented by efforts to develop active peace-building within Islam and other religious traditions. While the religious extremist is often integrated into a well-organized movement, armed to the teeth, expertly trained, lavishly financed, ideologically disciplined, and involved in a kind of "ecumenical" collaboration with other violence-prone organizations, the nonviolent religious actor is relatively isolated, underfinanced, unskilled in the techniques of conflict transformation. Yet Christian ethicists are refining "just war" and pacifist traditions; Muslim scholars are seeking sources within Islamic law for conflict resolution; and Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Confucian scholars are "translating" into second-order, accessible language their religious doctrines relating to human rights. Locally, courageous religious officials are joining crosscultural and interreligious dialogues, often in the face of internal opposition from their co-religionists. And transnational religious movements, such as the Community of Sant'Egidio, are engaging in conflict transformation through the provision of good offices, mediation, and social services in nations gripped by civil or regional wars. Operating on a global level are faith-based nongovernmental organizations such as the Mennonite Central Committee, the World Conference on Religion and Peace, the Network of Engaged Buddhists, World Vision, and Catholic Relief Services. Each organization in its own way fosters ecumenical cooperation and dialogue between communities historically divided over competing ethnic and/or religious claims. After September 11, one hopes, the sobering encounter with religious extremism will deepen our understanding of its dynamics. May it also lead us to recognize, support, and help extend the educational reach and influence of the world's religiously motivated peace-builders. That is the best hope for battling "religious terror" in the long term. R. Scott Appleby is a professor of history and director of the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. http://chronicle.com Section: The Chronicle Review Page: B10
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Copyright © 2001 by The Chronicle of Higher Education
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Reflections on the Fractured Landscape |
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