WWYD? – What Will You Do?

by Dean J. Johnson

"Blessed are the peacemakers..." – Matthew 5:9.*

In a world that all too often uses violence to resolve conflict, Jesus left us with these words. "Blessed are the

 peacemakers..." Matthew 5:9. What do these words mean for Christian living? What do these words mean for Christian vocation? If Christians take seriously Jesus as a model for how they live their life, then what types of jobs and careers are appropriate? We are now a part of a global community where what we do in our daily lives impacts others around the world. What one decides to do for a living can have implications for the entire global society. So, what will you do?

One can look several places for answers to questions of vocation within the Scriptures. One such scripture is Luke 4:17b-20a, "[Jesus] unrolled the scroll [of Isaiah] and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down."

Many careers have components of the above Luke/Isaiah passage within in them. In the field of social services one can be a social worker or a case manager. Within the fields of mental and physical health one can be a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a doctor, or a nurse. In the field of education one can be a teacher or professor. The field of ministry opens the possibility of being a pastor, a chaplain, or a missionary. However, one field of which many people are unaware or may overlook is Peace Studies.

The first official undergraduate peace studies program was established by Gladdys Muir at Manchester College in 1948. Since its establishment over 50 years ago, Peace Studies has been an academic area of study concerned with issues related to peace and nonviolent alternatives to violence. Although many programs are not Christian centered, many in the field of Peace Studies take seriously the Luke passage above, and Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount like, "You have heard it was said, ‘An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give them your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven . . ." (Matthew 5:38-45).

Peace Studies seeks alternatives to violence through peacemaking, conflict resolution and conflict transformation. Many in the field of Peace Studies understand, contrary to the popular myth (belief), that violence is not the answer to resolve disputes. Although nonviolence does not guarantee safety or security, violence has been proven to provide even less safety or security. In a world filled with violence and injustice, Peace Studies provides a beacon of hope.

The field of Peace Studies, generally, does not promote passivity, or non-action, in the face of violence or injustice. Instead, like Jesus in the Matthew passage above, Peace Studies seeks to teach nonviolent ways to stand up to those who are creating the violence or injustice. Peace Studies seeks to build relationships among adversaries, not to destroy adversaries. Peace Studies recognizes that we are all a part of one another, we are all a part of a global community. If we do not find ways to resolve conflict with positive results, then we face an ongoing cycle of violent and unjust struggles. When positive (win/win) solutions to conflict can be found the parties involved feel fulfilled. On the other hand, when win/lose, or even lose/lose, solutions to conflict, like war or fists fights, are used parties feel as though they have been abused or mistreated. This only plants seeds for future violence.

Many things one can done with a Peace Studies degree. Five basic areas people with Peace Studies degrees choose to locate careers in are: mediation/conflict management, teaching, ministry, social services and politics. Mediators and conflict managers work with individuals, groups, and even countries who are in conflict to reach win/win agreements. People with Peace Studies degrees can work as mediators and conflict managers in personnel departments, mediation centers, the government and in diplomatic relations. Peace Studies degrees can also lead people to teach in high schools and colleges. Those who choose to teach often teach groups and students the alternatives to violence and positive conflict resolution. Pastors and other clergypersons can use Peace Studies as a way to help their congregations. Ministers may use Peace Studies as a way to work on church conflicts or neighborhood violence. Those who have Peace Studies degrees and work in the social services field have jobs working with those who are the poor and abused in society. Often social service workers work at nonprofit or governmental organizations providing services and a voice for those who have no voice, like children, the elderly, the poor, and people of color. Peace Studies degrees also lead people to move into the field of politics. Within the political field people have worked in nonprofit advocacy groups, political groups or in political campaigns. Many times those in the political field often lend a voice to the voiceless working for human rights or make public issues of injustice for public debate.

Recently the field of Peace Studies has been expanding rapidly. The field of Peace Studies includes conflict resolution, conflict transformation, mediation, human rights, some nonprofit management programs, environmental programs, global studies, gender studies and women studies programs, just to name a few. Different Peace Studies programs place the study of focus in different areas. For example, some Peace Studies programs place the focus of study in religion and philosophy, while other programs focus on the social sciences and/or political sciences.

When looking for any academic program one should compare and contrast. Since different programs have different focus points, trying to get an understanding of what is available is important. One must also ask what kind of degree he or she thinks he or she wants. For example, some institutions offer four-year degrees in Peace Studies and others only offer a certificate in Peace Studies to be done in conjunction with a four-year degree in another field. If one already has an undergraduate degree there are many graduate programs which offer Peace Studies degrees or certificates.

As one answers these questions, the program he or she should attend will become clearer. In a world full of violence and injustice, what is your responsibility as a Christian? Jesus told us, "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16). Seeking one’s calling is complex and takes time. As we move forward in their our life choices as Christians, may the love and peace of Jesus be in our hearts.

*Biblical references are from the New Revised Standard Version unless otherwise noted

Dean Johnson is a student in the Joint PhD program at the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology with a focus in Religion and Social Change. A member of the Church of the Brethren, he hopes to teach in the field of peace studies at a college or university. He can be reached by email at imaginepeace_@hotmail.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Manchester College, a liberal arts college related to the Church of the Brethren.

Peace Studies Association "Peace and Conflict: The Home of Peace Studies on the World Wide Web," including a comprehensive list of Peace Studies programs.