THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF CHRIST: A MODEL FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE PRACTICE OF VIOLENCE

Abstract

In a world increasingly challenged by various forms of violence, the search for a sustainable alternative has become a central academic preoccupation. This paper posits that the life and teachings of Jesus Christ offer a historically profound and ethically compelling framework for non-violent practice. Through a critical analysis, the study clarifies key concepts of violence and peace, distinguishing between negative peace and positive peace and defining core principles such as agape and redemptive suffering. The paper's theoretical framework leverages the ethical tension between Christian pacifism and Just War Theory, while utilizing Conflict Transformation Theory to bridge theological concepts with real-world applications. The findings show that Christ's model, as demonstrated by the Civil Rights Movement and modern peacebuilding, provides a pragmatic approach for resisting oppression and achieving reconciliation. The paper acknowledges common critiques regarding the model's realism in state-level conflicts but argues that it fundamentally reorients the practice of security from militarism to a peacebuilding framework. Ultimately, the research concludes that Christ's example is an enduring and effective model for fostering a just and peaceful society.