Overcoming violence - a basic task of Christian churches
Date
2011-12-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
In this article – based on the second of two keynote lectures at a conference on violence –
the view is developed that the task of the church with respect to violence consists mainly in
overcoming violence. In the first part of the article dealing with the basic tasks of the church
it is argued that the task to overcome violence is close to the essence of the church. The point
of departure is taken in Article 7 of the Augsburg Confession, which understands the church
as the ‘communion of saints’ and names the pure proclamation of the gospel and the right
administration of the sacraments as the two characteristics of the church. The Christian
message that the church has to proclaim the gospel entails a preferential option for nonviolence
that includes the responsibility to put an end to existing violence. In the second part
of the article attention is given to the implications the basic task of the church in overcoming
violence holds for the practice of the church. It is argued that the starting point is that the
church has to proclaim the gospel of peace and as a community of faith become a community
of peace herself. Some of the most important practical consequences the proclamation of the
gospel of peace has for the church as a community of action, for her work in education, for her
promotion of justice and for her solidarity with those in need, are discussed. © 2011.
Description
CITATION: Huber, W. 2011. Overcoming violence - a basic task of Christian churches. Verbum et Ecclesia, 32(2), Art. #582,
doi:10.402/ve.v32i2.582.
The original publication is available at http://verbumetecclesia.org.za
The original publication is available at http://verbumetecclesia.org.za
Keywords
Violence -- Religious aspects, Church and violence, Article 7 of the Augsburg Confession, Violence -- Prevention, Violence -- Biblical teaching, Community of faith
Citation
Huber, W. 2011. Overcoming violence - a basic task of Christian churches. Verbum et Ecclesia, 32(2), Art. #582,
doi:10.402/ve.v32i2.582.