Peace Discourse And Religion

ABSTRACT

What role and mission do religions play in the discourse on peace in modern societies which proclaim the segregation of state and religion? Although the fundamental principle of religion is peace, it is also true that religion is sometimes an obstacle to peace. This article first examines what the essence of religion is for the peace that modern society try to seek. For this, it is important how religion understands human beings. The concept of ‘person’ in Christianity emphasizes individuality and social relationships. Because of this human understanding and peace-orientation within religion, religion in the neoliberal capitalist world system is urged on the one hand and urgently called by the suffering people on the other hand. This social background must be examined in terms of mission of religion. Then I consider conditions under which science and religion can mutually recognize, communicate, and solidify in secular society, reflecting on reasons why the modern world values science and technology and wants to expel conventional religion from the social discourse. Here I will deal mainly with the possibility and necessity of good functional solidarity of religion and state-society, which are separated from modern enlightenment, mainly on the dialogue between Habermas and Ratzinger. Finally, I will look at what basic values religion can bring to modern society in peace discourse. This basic values are inspired by the Christian tradition of self-transcendence, conscience, solidarity, a win-win spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, and nonviolence, but it is believed to be derived from compassion for humanity directed by all religions.