Violence Proofing the World-II

Part I of VPW reviewed grace-filled theological foundations to address the call to VPW. Now it is important to focus on the practical, in world actions that appear to run counter to VPW and to those that tend to be consistent with a more faithful, non-causing violence action. Christian witness necessitates engaging the world in manners that resonate with diverse cultures and religious expressions. Hence, there is a practical "secularity" that surfaces and seeks common ground. Christian "holiness" affirms global oneness, uniting knowingly and unknowingly, ALL people.  All people are created in the Image of God.

First, a review of axioms that I find helpful in understanding causes of violence in the world, followed by axioms that tend to prevent violence. 

CAUSES OF VIOLENCE

Dictatorships

Fascism: Collusion of corporate wealthy with government control

Doctrine of Discovery: Theological justification for colonialism

Poverty: Revolutions usually begin from the bottom up, from the poor

Economic Inequality

Poverty and Lack of Opportunity

Slavery-Child Exploitation

Gender Oppression

Racism

Unemployment

Plutocracy and Oligarchy: Government by the wealthy

Quest for Oil

De-Regulation: Elimination of Glas-Steagal Bill, weakening of Dodd/Frank

Lack of Education and Access to Education

Unwillingness to Engage and Celebrate Diversity

Militarism

Money Influence Upon Elections

Voter Suppression

Environmental Degradation

Extremist-Fundamentalist Religious Expression

Ideological Intolerance

Unwillingness to Seek Common Ground in our Politics

Lack of Justice for ALL

Anti-Semitism

Lack of Common Sense Gun Regulation

Family Breakdown

Rise of Extreme Nationalism

Unbridled Nationalism at Expense of Patriotism 

Censorship

Building Walls (Berlin Wall and Israel/Palestine)

CAUSES OF LESS VIOLENCE

Mandatory and Access to Education for all

Fair Financial Arrangements for College, University and Specialized Education 

Democratic form of Government (Democracies do not attack each other)

Economic Equality

Job Creation and Opportunity

Bill of Rights

Equal Access to Voting without Undo Requirements

Public Financing of Elections

Support for and Participation in the United Nations

Leadership Possibilities for ALL

Employment Opportunities for ALL

Fair Regulation of Corporations, Banks, and Wall Street

Balance Between Socialism and Capitalism

Environmental Stewardship

Inclusive and Welcoming of Diversity

Religious Ecumenism

Welcoming of Political Diversity

Less Military Focus

Focus on Human/Public Needs

Appropriate and Common Sense Gun Regulations

Pensions for ALL

Fair Taxation

Global Tax to provide resources for economic justice for ALL

Global Imagination

Transparency and Free Flow of Information

"We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we cannot have both." 

Justice Louis Brandeis

As people of faith, violence needs to be addressed. The ethic of Jesus was nonviolence. Faithfulness means not only "believing" but also and more profoundly "beloving" the world. 

Let the conversation begin! 

Peace!