A Critical Realist Engagement with Glen Stassen’s ‘Just Peacemaking’ Approach

Abstract

David P. Gushee critically examines ‘just peacemaking theory’ as pioneered by the late Glen Stassen, a Christian ethicist from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. After an exploration of the personal and intellectual origins of Stassen’s just peacemaking theory, Gushee describes and critiques each of the theory’s ten practices, which involve nonviolent direct action, independent initiatives, acknowledgment of responsibility, and cooperative conflict resolution. According to Stassen, many of these practices parallel specific teachings of Jesus. Despite the weaknesses and limitations of Stassen’s theory of just peacemaking or practice, Gushee concludes that it has a substantial contribution to make in contemporary global peacemaking efforts.