The role of Christianity in mending societal fragility and quelling violence in Liberia

Eric Gbotoe,Selaelo T Kgatla

doi:10.4102/ve.v38i1.1651

Abstract

This article has benefited from the research entitled �The role of Christianity in post-war Liberia�. It is a study that attempts to examine and investigate how Christian faith and spirituality can play a role in a campaign for social peace, justice, development and unity. This article describes and evaluates a cross section of strategies and policies which theologians can employ to develop and sustain peace and foster reconstruction plans among perpetrators and victims of a brutal civil war. It attempts to answer the following question: what role can Christianity play to effectively lessen the animosity that engendered the years of hostilities in Liberia and facilitate the healing of wounds?Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article sets forth a debate about the role Christianity ought to play in societal conflict. Christian religion is a prophetic religion by nature and it should serve as a source of peace, reconciliation and healing for human relationships. Examples of what the role of authentic church could be are cited from a Liberian context. It is further argued that all sectors of society, women, men and children may be agents of peace and unity. The article concludes by setting parameters for sustainable peace in Liberia.

Highlights

Grounded on the results obtained from the research ‘The role of Christianity in post-war Liberia’ (Gbotoe & Kgatla 2014), the researchers attempt to establish that the church should consistently convene congresses whereby delegates from different backgrounds can discuss significant issues affecting the country and forge a way forward
Kotia (2012:2) asserts that though Liberia was instituted on the principles of freedom, democracy and a permeation of society, leading lives on biblical doctrine became a myth as the country descended into a series of conflicts that led to bloodshed
It is discernible from the ongoing arguments that one of the major elements or conditions of maintaining peace in Liberia is to ensure that there is a proper balance between power and responsibility (United States Institute of Peace 2009:60–69)

Summary

Introduction

Grounded on the results obtained from the research ‘The role of Christianity in post-war Liberia’ (Gbotoe & Kgatla 2014), the researchers attempt to establish that the church should consistently convene congresses whereby delegates from different backgrounds can discuss significant issues affecting the country and forge a way forward. Kotia (2012:2) asserts that though Liberia was instituted on the principles of freedom, democracy and a permeation of society, leading lives on biblical doctrine became a myth as the country descended into a series of conflicts that led to bloodshed. It can be stated that the involvement http://www.ve.org.za of the church in tackling inequality, which Esteban and Schneider (2004:2–8) point to as the core of conflict, is necessary for the transformation and growth of the church and the building of a peaceful society of tolerance, love and respect for humanity.

Results

Conclusion