Biblical Perspectives on Conflict Management and Peacemaking

OUTLINE I. Introduction II. Basic Conflict Concepts III. Peacemaking IV. The Author’s Life Lessons BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND PEACEMAKING Introduction As descendants of Adam and Eve, one has a few realities to grapple with. This reality is based in the fact that one has a sin nature. Sin is present and influences everyday life. The world is evil, life is hard and conflict happens because sin is a reality of this world. One does not accept the world just as it is but makes an effort to reform it. Life is difficult but one seeks means by which to lighten the load along the broken road of life. One is motivated to exert resources toward†¦show more content†¦they hold the most amount of influence. Therefore, it behooves leaders to assess the types of conflict management so that, as the situation requires the leader can adapt the approaches for the most positive outcome for all involved. In his book, Creative Conflict Management, Donald Palmer identifies five main conflict management styles. Each of these styles has certain pros and cons as well as appropriate times for use. These five styles are: avoiding, accommodating, collaborating, compromising and attacking. (Donald Palmer, Creative Conflict Management, 25-31) Avoiding This style involves simply staying out of conflict. It requires very little investment toward relationships, passivity and unassertiveness on the part of the avoider. The avoider will run, hide or simply withdraw to alleviate any pain that may potentially be accrued. The outcome is often that conflict goes unresolved and bitterness may occur. However, this may be an appropriate response when others in conflict are too immature to respond well, when conflict cannot possibly result in positive outcomes or as a stalling tactic to allow time needed to settle emotions thus bringing clarity. Accommodating This style is implemented when an individual’s focus is to maintain relationships—even at unhealthy costs. The style often necessitates sacrificing the interest of the accommodator to appease the interests of others. This style oftenShow MoreRelated Ken Sandes The Peace Maker Essay1439 Words   |  6 PagesKen Sandes â€Å"The Peace Maker† A â€Å"biblical guide to resolving personal conflict†, this, in a nutshell is what â€Å"The Peace Maker† is all about. In this critical book review I will be taking topics from the book and giving the reader my personal views on how I either reacted or related to the topics covered. My goal for this paper is to give the reader a non-biased opinion of â€Å"The Peace Maker†, which was published by Baker Books in June of 2004.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To first critique a book you must have someRead MoreThe Peace Maker1471 Words   |  6 PagesThe Peace Maker Critical Book Review Ryan Stewart February 6, 2005 CO/BU 4493 A biblical guide to resolving personal conflict, this, in a nutshell is what The Peace Maker is all about. In this critical book review I will be taking topics from the book and giving the reader my personal views on how I either reacted or related to the topics covered. My goal for this paper is to give the reader a non-biased opinion of The Peace Maker, which was published by Baker Books in June of 2004