Peace Process

JLM

Hall of Fame Member
Nov 27, 2008
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Yes, universal peace is possible if the universe is an individual person and if peace is an internal, essential reality.

No, universal peace is not possible if the universe is collective human history and if peace is an external, circumstantial reality such as absence of armed conflict.


Let's try for peace within families before we start thinking about the universe.
 

Motar

Council Member
Jun 18, 2013
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Peacekeeping has been described as "putting a lid on a boiling pot." Peacemaking has been delineated as "looking for the source of heat and turning it down." What is peace? Is universal peace possible? What is the process?

In my experience, peace is a inner, individual state.

My posture of peace began when my relationship with God became a personal one. The person of Jesus Christ was the vehicle for this to take place. Prior anxieties and aggressions were evicted in me when Christ took up residence in my life. This exchange began when He offered to come aboard and I accepted. The peace process in my life continues today as the relationship continues.

My potential to impact the universe in a peaceful way has been established. Universal peace however is the domain of Christ.
 

Motar

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Jun 18, 2013
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Peacekeeping has been described as "putting a lid on a boiling pot." Peacemaking has been delineated as "looking for the source of heat and turning it down." What is peace? Is universal peace possible? What is the process?

What are your thoughts concerning peace?
 

JLM

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Nov 27, 2008
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What are your thoughts concerning peace?


Highly impractical...........man is not a peaceful creature, pretty well all of man's endeavours involve beating the other guy, be it sports or Keeping up with the Joneses etc. It's all about being first.........................up Mt. Everest, to the South Pole, in space, to the moon etc. etc.
 

Motar

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Jun 18, 2013
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Highly impractical...........man is not a peaceful creature, pretty well all of man's endeavours involve beating the other guy, be it sports or Keeping up with the Joneses etc. It's all about being first.........................up Mt. Everest, to the South Pole, in space, to the moon etc. etc.

You're speaking of an essential nature in man, JLM - an entrenched "me-centered" spirit that is bent on self-promotion. So if I am by nature an agitated and aggressive being, is there a remedy?

The only way to achieve 'peace' (as in absence of armed conflict between societies), is through education and equality. The world is nowhere near there yet.

I concur that the absence of armed conflict can be a sign of peace, Karrie. But can it be a sign of something else? (parties are out of ammunition, too decimated to go on fighting, no territory in dispute)?
 

JLM

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Nov 27, 2008
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You're speaking of an essential nature in man, JLM - an entrenched "me-centered" spirit that is bent on self-promotion. So if I am by nature an agitated and aggressive being, is there a remedy?


Probably not totally. And definitely not for all people. But we can temper it a bit. Divert the energy toward things like thoughtfulness, kindness, tolerance and understanding. You can accomplish as much helping an old lady across the street as beating her in a foot race up the stairs. -:)
 

Motar

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Jun 18, 2013
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Probably not totally. And definitely not for all people. But we can temper it a bit. Divert the energy toward things like thoughtfulness, kindness, tolerance and understanding. You can accomplish as much helping an old lady across the street as beating her in a foot race up the stairs. -:)

What is your secret for tempering the "me-first" spirit and diverting to more "other-centered" thoughts and behaviors, JLM?
 

Cliffy

Standing Member
Nov 19, 2008
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Study hard and pay attention to your elders.
In this society, not all elders are wise. Peace of mind comes from not taking life, yours and life in general, seriously. I used to get all upset by the shear stupidity going on in the world until the day I decided it was all just a Monty Python skit - the Ministry of Silly Walks. Now I can sleep at night in spite of all the insanity going on in the world.
 

Motar

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Study hard and pay attention to your elders.

Are these qualities (diligence and respect for authority) the products of an exceptional inheritance (nature)? a superb upbringing (nurture)? something else?
 

Cliffy

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Nov 19, 2008
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Are these qualities (diligence and respect for authority) the products of an exceptional inheritance (nature)? a superb upbringing (nurture)? something else?
Respect for authority is the product of brainwashing and an unquestioning mind. There can only be an authority greater than your own if you consent to it.
 

JLM

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Nov 27, 2008
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Are these qualities (diligence and respect for authority) the products of an exceptional inheritance (nature)? a superb upbringing (nurture)? something else?


If you listen to others, preferably elders, when sh*t happens you have someone to blame for it. Elders are supposed to know better, I know I'm an elder.-:)
 

Motar

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Respect for authority is the product of brainwashing and an unquestioning mind. There can only be an authority greater than your own if you consent to it.

Depends on your understanding of the concept of authority, Cliffy.

To many people the world over, Nelson Mandela is considered a moral authority due to his personal convictions and efforts to promote racial equality and end apartheid in South Africa.

Likewise, Jesus Christ is a spiritual authority to many people globally and throughout the generations due to His personal teachings and actions promoting personal integrity and compassion towards others.

If you listen to others, preferably elders, when sh*t happens you have someone to blame for it. Elders are supposed to know better, I know I'm an elder.-:)

By elder, JLM, do you mean one who is chronologically older? Or do you mean:

"An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believeand are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." (Titus 1:6-9 NIV)
 

BaalsTears

Senate Member
Jan 25, 2011
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Universal peace is possible in the form of order imposed on the world. The Pax Romana is an example. However, when the power of the forces of imposition decline and ultimately collapse the world will revert to a state of nature. This is inevitable. Then the cycle will be repeated with a different cast of characters.

“Only the dead have seen the end of war.” Plato
 

JLM

Hall of Fame Member
Nov 27, 2008
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Vernon, B.C.
Depends on your understanding of the concept of authority, Cliffy.

To many people the world over, Nelson Mandela is considered a moral authority due to his personal convictions and efforts to promote racial equality and end apartheid in South Africa.

Likewise, Jesus Christ is a spiritual authority to many people globally and throughout the generations due to His personal teachings and actions promoting personal integrity and compassion towards others.



By elder, JLM, do you mean one who is chronologically older? Or do you mean:

"An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believeand are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." (Titus 1:6-9 NIV)


Yep, chronologically older and sensible.