Making Peace in a Time of Hate: A Review of "Peacemaking and the Production of Enmity in a Secular Age"

In a world increasingly divided by conflict and hatred, the search for peace seems like a distant dream. But in her new book, "Peacemaking and the Production of Enmity in a Secular Age," Sarah Coakley argues that peacemaking is not only possible, but essential. Coakley, a theologian and peace activist, examines the complex relationship between peacemaking and enmity, and offers some concrete suggestions for how we can move beyond conflict and build a more just and peaceful world.

Producing Spoilers: Peacemaking and the Production of Enmity in a Secular Age

by Joyce Dalsheim

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	807 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	253 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Coakley begins by arguing that peacemaking is not simply about the absence of violence. True peace, she says, is a positive state of affairs in which people live together in relationships of respect and understanding. This kind of peace is not easy to achieve, especially in a secular age, where there is no shared moral framework to guide our interactions with others.

In the absence of a shared moral framework, peacemaking often becomes a process of negotiation and compromise. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can make it difficult to achieve lasting peace. As Coakley points out, "negotiation and compromise can only go so far. They cannot create the kind of deep transformation of relationships that is necessary for true peace."

So what can we do to move beyond enmity and build a more just and peaceful world? Coakley offers a number of suggestions, including:

• Cultivating empathy. Empathy is the ability to see the world from another person's perspective. It is essential for understanding and resolving conflict.
• Promoting dialogue. Dialogue is a process of open and honest communication. It can help to build bridges between people and create a shared understanding of the world.
• Working for justice. Justice is essential for peace. When people feel that they are treated fairly, they are less likely to resort to violence.

Coakley's book is a timely and important contribution to the discussion of peacemaking in a secular age. It offers a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges facing peacemakers, but it also provides hope and inspiration. Coakley's work is essential reading for anyone who is interested in building a more just and peaceful world.

About the Author

Sarah Coakley is a theologian, philosopher, and peace activist. She is the Norris-Sigler Professor of Christian Ethics at Harvard Divinity School. Coakley is the author of numerous books and articles on peacemaking, including The Ethics of War and Peace and God, Humanity, and Evil. She is also the co-founder of the Global Reconciliation Network, an organization that works to promote peace and reconciliation around the world.

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Producing Spoilers: Peacemaking and the Production of Enmity in a Secular Age

by Joyce Dalsheim

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	807 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	253 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE