It’s often said that religion is a cause of war – but can it also be a cause of peace? 

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“Part of what makes religion such a powerful motivator in support for peace, is also what makes it a powerful motivator in support for violence.” 

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.  

This principle of retaliation, that a person who has injured another should be penalized in a similar way, and to a similar degree, forms the basis for many codes of justice around the world. But Jesus had a radically different approach.  

Turn the other cheek, and go the extra mile.  

In this episode of Life & Faith, we dive into the world of peace building with Dr Maria J Stephan and Susan Hayward from the US Institute of Peace. Discover whether non-violent movements actually work, and explore the role that religious faith plays in making and maintaining peace.  

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These interviews were for our documentary, For the Love of God: How the church is better and worse than you ever imagined.  

Why Civil Resistance Works by Maria Stephan and Erica Chenoweth