In late 1970 I moved to Belfast to take up a Senior Social Work position with the City Welfare Department. As I had anticipated, this was an interesting and challenging professional opportunity. However, something that I had not foreseen was the level of destruction and violence that I would regularly encounter in the course of my duties. One day is memorable for all the wrong reasons. On 21st July 1972, Belfast was torn apart by a series of terrorist attacks across the city.
Nine people were killed, 130 were injured and many others were deeply traumatised. A statement issued by the perpetrators described this carnage as “an act of war” adding that they had given civilians adequate prior warnings of the bombings. Many of those warnings proved to be hoaxes which increased the number of civilian casualties. Once again, I and my colleagues set off to organise emergency relief for residents who the explosions had displaced. Memories of the chaos and trauma that I witnessed remain with me to this day.
One of those killed was a 14-year-old boy called Stephen who was the son of Rev Joseph Parker, Chaplain to the Belfast Mission to Seamen. Some weeks later I had been invited to attend a social event organised by a local church where to my surprise Rev Parker was one of the speakers. His address focused on the need for reconciliation between the warring sectarian communities which he believed could only be achieved if people had “peace in their hearts.” Most of the audience appeared rather confused at this suggestion and there was an embarrassing silence as Parker left the stage: then some of the “hardliners” started to boo!
Along with a small group known as “The Peace People” Rev Parker spent the next year working tirelessly for peace and reconciliation. Eventually, he and his family moved to Canada where he continued his chaplaincy work with the Mission to Seamen in Vancouver.
From time to time, I find my thoughts returning to Joseph Parker’s call for “peace in our hearts.” At this time in history when our nightly news broadcasts show horrific videos of war-torn Ukraine, Palestine, and Lebanon, I ask myself in what way will peaceful hearts help bring us back from what seems like the brink of widespread international war? In this opinion piece, I will share some of my thoughts.
What does peace mean?
Peace has several common meanings.
Calmness or serenity
The end or resolution of a conflict
The absence of violence or the fear of violence
Peace can be experienced by individuals, families, and other small groups and by communities and nations. World peace is also a possibility. However, given the numerous current conflicts worldwide, this prospect will likely take quite some time to eventuate.
Peace can be a short-term or intermittent phenomenon or sometimes long-standing. However, it is unlikely to be permanent, except when it is used to describe end-of-life experiences (e.g. he died peacefully surrounded by his family)
Some environments are often described as peaceful: particularly natural attractions such as forests, mountains, and lakes. It could be argued, however, that peace can only be experienced by sentient beings and that these “peaceful places” are simply places where individuals and groups are more likely to experience peace.
To further explore the concept of peace, it may be useful to introduce several related concepts:
Conflict - serious disagreement or argument, often protracted and disruptive
Anger - An intense emotion experienced by people who believe that something is wrong, or someone has wronged them: typically characterized by feelings of stress, frustration, and irritation.
Aggression - feelings of anger or antipathy that may result in hostile or violent behaviour; readiness to attack or confront:
Violence - behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.
Militance – Aggression or vigour displayed in support of a cause.
Fear - An unpleasant emotion experienced by people who have reason to believe they are in danger.
Anxiety - A feeling of uneasiness and worry that may be generalized and unfocused or an overreaction to a situation that is only subjectively seen as menacing.
Justice – the quality of being fair and reasonable.
Why is peace so elusive?
(I) Peace is not a biological phenomenon. Indeed, all animal species (including humans) have survived by responding to four basic, hormonally associated drives or instincts
Fighting
Fleeing
Feeding
Mating
For most of human history, only individuals with sufficient strength, speed and aggression have survived long enough to pass their genes on to future generations. For many individuals, this meant a life that was “nasty, brutish and short.” In recent millennia, however, there have been progressive improvements in the longevity and quality of human life. This has been due largely to developments in education, science, democratic, government and public administration. Part of this “civilisation process” has been a growing recognition of the benefits of peace. Nonetheless, there is a significant number of people who continue “to embrace their inner warrior” and find fulfilment by engaging in various forms of aggression and violence, such as:
Domestic violence, street fighting and gang warfare: anti-social activities that participants may attempt to justify as necessary to establish (mostly masculine) esteem and maintain power structures and hierarchies.
Participation in contact sport is a legitimate, and regulated opportunity to enjoy aggressive and sometimes frankly violent confrontations. It may also provide vicarious enjoyment for spectators. Of course, players and spectators also appreciate the skills and athleticism involved in these sports.
Membership of military and para-military organisations where members are trained and equipped in the use of violent and sometimes lethal strategies in readiness for deployment in legitimised combat. It must be acknowledged that individuals enlist in military organisations for various reasons, including, vocational training, adventure and sporting opportunities, economic security, subsidised housing, health facilities, and opportunities for world travel.
(II) Militarism is a longstanding component of culture and national identity in many countries which would be very difficult to counteract. There is a wide and ongoing international acceptance that aggressive and violent military action is both legitimate and appropriate when the safety or freedom of a nation comes under direct attack from a foreign power, For this reason, most countries maintain both full-time and reserve military forces that are equipped and trained in readiness for deployment when deemed necessary for defensive, retaliatory or pre-emptive action. Moreover, in many countries, the military plays a significant role in the economy and politics. Understandably, arms manufacturers are vested in continuing their lucrative trade with the military, as would the many other suppliers.
(III) Establishing and maintaining peace at any level is a complex and arduous process. For example, schoolyard bullying remains a seemingly intractable problem despite the combined efforts of governments, assorted psychologists and child welfare advocates. War in the middle- appears to be endemic, despite persistent diplomacy at the highest levels. There is no "quick fix", no "silver bullet" (sorry I couldn't resist this!) that will deliver us a universal path to peace in our time. Perhaps all we have is hope and stubborn persistence.
Building Peace one block at a time.
In my view, peacebuilding is a process that requires skill, resources and long-term commitment. In this section, I will discuss some of the components of peacemaking.
Individual peace
Spirituality/Religion
Conflict resolution.
Human Rights
Public Discourse
Investment
Individual peace
Some of history’s best-known peace activists placed considerable importance on the establishment of inner peace. For example:
“Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.” – H.H. the Dalai Lama
“Be The Peace You Wish to See in The World” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.
Each one must find his peace from within.” – Mahatma Ghandi
These assertions seem to have significant face validity; feelings of internal peace and the capacity to promote external peace are, generally, incompatible with psychological disquiet and turmoil. Of course, illness or disability, particularly mental illness or disability can be major barriers to peace of mind. There are, however, many non-clinical issues that, can constitute significant barriers to internal peace. I would suggest, that of these, real or perceived social exclusion and isolation major factors. For example, we’ve all probably encountered people who display an ingrained feeling of resentment deriving from a sense of inferiority that is sometimes marked by aggressive behaviour. This is often referred to as “having a chip on one’s shoulder.” The origins of this “chip on the shoulder” can be something obvious such as a personal characteristic that with or without justification makes an individual feel marginalised. For instance, someone whose appearance accent or mannerisms are “different” may feel inferior or marginalised particularly if they have been criticised, mocked, or experienced unlawful discrimination. For example, the point of difference could be due to skin colour, disability, poor English language fluency or simply an eccentric approach to life. Less obvious are the effects of punitive, cruel, or undermining parenting which can leave a residue of low self-esteem and emotional turmoil, as can other forms of abuse or trauma.
During my lifetime I have witnessed the birth of the internet and social media; revolutionary inventions which have made fundamental changes to the ways we interact with our family and friends and in our business or professional lives. This was hailed as a new way of living that would create a more joyful connected world. Instead, a range of unexpected consequences is now emerging. Many people have become dependent upon the torrent of information that appears on their screens which they watch obsessively. Using mobile phones whilst driving is now a major traffic hazard. People’s values and actions are being shaped by unverified and uncensored information fed to them by social media outlets that appear to have no code of conduct apart from wealth accumulation. This has resulted in a child and youth mental health epidemic and the creation of the new occupation of “influencer.” These are “Social Media Personalities” who charm watchers into purchasing goods and services of unknown quality, value, and safety by using a form of covert advertising. There has also been an exponential rise in the prevalence of frauds using deception and extortion to take (often considerable) sums of money from unsuspecting citizens.
In recent years there has been increasing awareness of a phenomenon known as “radicalisation.” This involves the recruitment and indoctrination of individuals who become motivated and trained to participate in violent terrorist activities intended to force radical socio-political changes.
This process of radicalisation has been greatly assisted by the development of social media technology which is used to target young people of migrant heritage who may feel marginalised within the “mainstream” population.
Motivating and equipping individuals to become peacebuilders is a complex, challenging, and lengthy process that I believe must start during our formative childhood years. This would, of course, require the “grassroots” commitment and involvement of parents, teachers, and sports coaches. In a forthcoming opinion piece, I will address in some detail my views on child welfare.
Spirituality and Religion
These terms are often used interchangeably to describe phenomena that transcend human control and understanding. The following table details some of the characteristics often associated with these terms.
Criterion | Spirituality | Religions |
Values & Beliefs | People determine and follow their unique path to truth | Objective beliefs are passed down through scriptures and traditions. |
Practices | Individuals find spiritual experiences where and how they choose. | People congregate to engage in programmed ritualised worship. |
Structure | Flexible: individuals or groups | Worshipping groups with structured belief systems and hierarchies. |
Eligibility | Everyone is free to follow their path | In some religious groups members must adhere to certain beliefs and behaviours |
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), of which I am a member, is an organisation whose members gather regularly for worship which is conducted in quite traditional (some would say quaint) ways. However, unlike many other religious organisations, each Quaker is free to find their own spiritual experience and path, which is seen as being much more important than relying on scriptural or doctrinal sources. Traditionally Quakers have strongly promoted the value of peace, and this has influenced many individual Quakers to become conscientious objectors to military service. Mennonites and Jehovah’s Witnesses are also known to take this position. Some Quakers, however, have gone to war zones to offer medical assistance and support to injured combatants, irrespective of which side they had been fighting for.
Some people contend that, far from being a force for good, religion is a major cause of war. This assertion may have some historical substance, for example:
The Crusades were a series of wars initiated, supported, and sometimes directed by the Christian Latin Church in the medieval period.
The Muslim–Quraysh War was a six-year military and religious war in the Arabian Peninsula between the early Muslims led by Muhammad on one side and the Arab pagan Quraysh tribe on the other. The war started in March 624 with the Battle of Badr and concluded with the Conquest of Mecca.
An analysis of more recent history concludes that territorial, cultural and economic conflicts are now much more likely to cause war than religion. In my view, the relationship between peace, war and religion is both complex and contradictory. For example, most Christian Churches regularly promote the value of peace in their prayers and liturgy. This is related to biblical sources, notably the Sermon on the Mount.
This well-known Christian prayer was inspired by the life and teachings of Saint Francis. However, the relationship between many Christian churches and the military is, at best, ambiguous. Here are some examples:
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifies, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has openly supported this war against a neighbouring Orthodox nation. Could it be that the Church feared that a Ukrainian victory might hasten the splintering of a once-united Russian Orthodox Church?
An expected agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese Government resulted in the appointment of several officially sanctioned Chinese Bishops. Reports allege that cultural suppression and religious persecution continue unabated under the administration of President Xi Jinping with evidence of “heavy-handed control” by religious affairs officials.
Like many comparable Western countries, contemporary Australia is relatively secular. Around 40% of Australians have no religious affiliations. Only 20% regularly attend a place of worship. However, on Anzac Day well attended religious services are held all over the country to commemorate the self-sacrifice and heroism of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought and died in a historic battle against Turkish troops on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1816. Over the years the focus of these ceremonies has been broadened to include veterans of other military conflicts, such as World War II and wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan
These religious services are followed by street parades of veterans and serving military personnel, proudly wearing their service medals. Aged and/or disabled veterans, often take pride of place and youth organisations are also encouraged to join parades. Towns and villages take on a carnival atmosphere as bands lead the marchers through streets thronged by cheering, flag-waving crowds. Some veterans will end their Anzac with a traditional game of “two-up” and some alcoholically enhanced fellowship at a local Returned Services League (RSL) Club.
The parades are organised under the auspices of the RSL, supported by political and religious leaders and heavily promoted by both public and commercial media organisations as an opportunity to honour veterans of military service and commemorate the death, injury and suffering caused by war, thereby motivating Australians to seek peace. For some of us, Anzac Day activities seem like a celebration of patriotic glory and militarism which overshadows any reflection on the carnage of war and (often needless) death of many young men. In my view, Christian Churches should acknowledge this problem of Anzac Day triumphalism and, being mindful of Christ's Sermon on the Mount, seek to redress the balance.
Conflict Resolution
Conflicts amongst individuals, communities and nations are inevitable. Needs, wants and values differ as can perceptions of the truth. Human conflict typically generates a range of unpleasant emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt. These emotions are frequently accompanied by a hormonally driven fight/flight reaction. This can lead to verbal or physical altercations from which a clear winner may emerge, and the matter is concluded. Often, however, grievances linger and eventually, battle between the contenders will resume. This can lead to ongoing feuds with their ongoing cycle of winners and losers. Third-party intervention may be needed to break this cycle of aggression and violence:
Arbitration
involves the intervention of an independent individual or organisation to decide how the conflict should be resolved. In some circumstances, this approach can be successful particularly when both parties recognise the legitimacy of the arbitrator.
Mediation
seeks to enable disputing parties to reach agreement. This can prove to be an effective means of resolving family and neighbourhood disputes about issues such
as child and property settlements following divorce and neighbourhood disputes, drainage, tree felling, fence erection, noise pollution and infrastructure development matters. Mediation is a challenging process which requires specific skills and professional detachment.
The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP)
An international network of independent not-for-profit grass-roots volunteer groups offering experiential workshops on self-awareness and creative conflict transformation in prisons, schools, and the wider community.
These workshops empower individuals to liberate themselves and others from the burden of violence. The fundamental belief of AVP is that there is a power for peace and good in everyone and that this power can transform violence. AVP builds on a spiritual basis of respecting and caring for self and others.
Deterrence
A military strategy that uses the threat of retaliation to prevent an attack. The goal is to make an attacker believe that they will face unacceptable damage if they attack.
This often leads to a competition between countries to expand their military capability by acquiring and stockpiling weapons, recruiting, and training military personnel and engaging in displays of military might. This is often referred to as an “Arms Race.” This is an extremely expensive process that can, at times, become so provocative that it can elevate the risk of war!
Human Rights
The freedom, opportunities, acceptance of diversity and protections that should be available to citizens in democratic countries. The United Nations Declaration of Human describes this in some detail. The health and well-being
of individuals who experience violations of their human rights can be at risk of developing psychological disorders like depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). violent conflict, especially when they interact with underlying conflicts or structural injustices. Moreover, groups who have experienced ongoing discrimination or persecution may decide that the only remedy available to them is aggressive/violent action. Whilst this can sometimes improve the circumstances of these minority groups it may often lead to increased suppression by those in power. It is clear therefore that the promotion of human rights is an extremely important strategy in the search for peace.
Public Discourse
I must admit that I have spent some time watching YouTube Cat Videos and engaging in other equally pointless activities.
I also enjoy following political intrigue and scandals in the print and electronic media. Like many people, I have been fascinated by the cut and thrust of public life with its scandals and penchant for character assassination. Every night our loungerooms become a grandstand from which we witness images of recent criminal activities, the carnage of road traffic accidents and the
atrocities of wars that are being perpetrated somewhere around the world. It is almost as if we have become dependent upon this ongoing diet of conflict,
aggression, and violence to give us the stimulation that we seem to crave. Paradoxically, many of us do wish for peace, peace in the world, peace in our community, peace in our family and peace in our hearts. The trouble is knowing where to start. Our challenge is to find interesting, stimulating, and engaging ways of talking about building respect, harmony, and peace.
Investment in Peace
When you “follow the money” it becomes clear that massive amounts are being spent on the arms race that most governments deem necessary to deter attacks by foreign powers.
Recently Australia has pledged unbelievably large amounts to purchase nuclear submarines and ballistic missiles. An Arms Race is not a foolproof anti-war strategy and the wars that may eventually follow will also involve further massive expenditure. Moreover, the cost of post-war reconstruction cannot be ignored. The amount spent on peacebuilding is miniscule in comparison. Surely this is not a prudent use of national resources.
Closing thoughts
“First keep peace with yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.” – Thomas Kempis (Religious leader, author, 1380 – 1471, Roman Empire)
“Peace is more important than all justice, and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.” – Martin Luther (Theologian, writer, 1483 – 1546, Germany)
“Peace, in the sense of the absence of war, is of little value to someone who is dying of hunger or cold. It will not remove the pain of torture inflicted on a prisoner of conscience. Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free.” – Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama (Religious leader, 1940 – present, Tibet)
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