Seeking Cultures of Peace: A Peace Church Conversation
Cascadia Publishing House, 2004. 260 pages. |
In June 2001, some weeks before 9/11, an international group of Historic Peace Church (HPC) representatives – Quakers, Church of the Brethren, Mennonites – met in Switzerland. Their goal was to resume the dialogue and to respond to the 1999 World Council of Churches (WCC) invitation: “We recognize the steady witness of the Historic Peace Churches, and we want to receive anew their contribution through the Decade [to Overcome Violence, 2001–2010].”
The first section of essays in this book introduces the ecumenical context of this discussion, the history of HPC relations, and the globalized reality in which contemporary violence occurs. The second section explores the idea of globalization from three viewpoints: biblical studies, theological ethics and historiography. The third section engages the gospel and our traditions within HPC communities in North America, Nigeria and Colombia. The final section discusses resources for action, reflection and critique in building a future of justice and peace.
The discussions vary in perspective and viewpoint, which is understandable given that the representatives came from 10 countries and even more church communities. Nonetheless, they share a willingness to dialogue and a concern for peace that keeps the book focused.
As with any collection of essays, there is both richness and unevenness. Occasionally, a sentence emerges that makes conversation difficult (“From a peace church perspective one must then of course speak against any tendencies to a monarchic, monistic, or modalistic interpretation, but in favor of a perichoretic Trinitarian understanding,” for example.) These are few, however, and the patient reader will be rewarded with stimulating reflection on the theological, historical and practical needs for shalom in our world.
This book is a “conversation” well worth listening to and joining.
Tim Froese is director of the Korea Anabaptist Center (KAC) and mission partnership worker with Mennonite Church Canada.
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