Reflection, Interpretation, and Accountability: Exercises in Religious Peacebuilding

Interreligious peacebuilding that leans heavily into the relational model of mutual inquiry and experiential learning reminds us that religious peacebuilding requires self-critical, internal work. This essay extends that reminder into two arguments about religious peacebuilding. First, peacebuilding that is religious not only explores texts, traditions, communities, identities, and practices, but it also examines the interpreting framework of the actor. When peacebuilding prompts that level of analysis and reflection, it becomes religious work. Second,a particular disposition for this form of religious peacebuilding, namely theological humility, is commended.