The Church and Peaceful Revolution

Christians remember that Jesus told his followers “Blessed are the peacemakers.” But what does it look like to make peace? Beyond avoiding and opposing violence, how can the resources of our faith equip us to foster human thriving as part of our work in the Kingdom of God. We’ll look at some historical examples from the church, consider scripture, and share insights from our own experiences on how we all might better follow this crucial teaching from the sermon on the mount.

Over twenty-five years as faculty at Westmont College, Chris Hoeckley & Cheri Larsen Hoeckley traveled in Europe with hundreds of students on study abroad programs. Those experiences prompted countless conversations, not only with students, but also with international educators, clergy, and the occasional tour guide on conflict, nonviolence, and the global church–and on the particular challenges American Christians face in following Christ’s call to be peacemakers. From those conversations, they developed interdisciplinary curricula on Christian peacemaking that they’ve shared in various contexts. Two years ago they chose to leave the academy for roles as the executive team for PathLight International, an organization that practices Christian peacemaking by resourcing education and spiritual formation in Belize. When they aren’t at work, they enjoy cycling and keeping up with their three adult daughters. They have been practicing Episcopalians for several years, and very much look forward to spending the weekend with friends at St. Andrews.

Host or Publisher St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church