Article Review
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Article Review 1
COMS 560 – B02
Janice Hall
January 31, 2016
Article Review
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Does Religion Fuel or Heal in Conflicts?
In this article, the discussion is whether religion is a resource or a problem for resolution
of conflicts? Helmick discusses that religion has been used for political purposes in conflicts, and
that many see religion as basically a negative force in situations of conflict. Helmick has traced
the use of religion for political purposes to the Constantinian arrangement. Helmick calls this the
paradigmatic role of the Church. After the Constantinian model faded in much of the West,
another model developed as the Church sought control over key aspects of culture (marriage,
education, caring institutions, and so on). Helmick called this newly developed model the
pragmatic role of the Church. After the pragmatic role faded, a parabolic role of the Church was
developed. This role says that a community of active faith where its presence influences, in
organic and pervasive ways, the free corporate decisions of society. With this role, Helmick
suggests that there is hope for the Church as a resource for reconciliation, not division and
violence, in conflict.
Religion tends to become a major aspect in an individual’s life. A person’s identity is
shaped and developed from their religion. There have been wars over religion because many
people are passionate about their religious beliefs. Public perception views religion as a
principal source of division, hatred and international conflicts and violence. Religion is meant to
establish the positive bond between humanity and the transcendent being (God) who is good, and
among human beings themselves. Religion must go back to its originality, and only then will the
world become a better and peaceable place to live!
Article Review
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There are many people that have an interest in restoring justice. The restoration of justice
can help in the resolution or the transformation of conflicts. The restoration of justice will not
take place until religion goes back to its originality. This is the only way that religion will bring
about the resolution of conflict.
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