Pacem via disputare

"Peace through argument" just kind of came to me as a kind of subtitle, and I didn't think much about it until I tried to explain it. I guess it means a couple of things:

First, personal peace of mind -- serenity, quiet and calm -- through the refinement and articulation of our own convictions. "Argument," not because we're always right. Not because we've got to force everyone else to agree with us. But because it speaks to our own confidence in the face of disagreement. And the process of learning through disagreement. Good argument is free of hostility. But through good argument, we assert our convictions without taking on the fear or hostility of those who disagree with us.

Second, social peace -- Cessation of armed conflict. Peaceful communities that are safe and thriving. The peace of families within our homes. But this also through the dynamic interchange of ideas, the convictions of individuals and communities. It happens when we challenge ourselves to organize our thoughts, stop assuming we're right, move beyond seeing only two sides to every issue and become unafraid to engage difficult topics (and difficult people). The peace of social justice happens through vigorous and often uncomfortable process.

Peace is a blessing freely given us, and it is also a gift we can freely give each other. It is a personal and social aspiration and a fruit of considered discourse. And I like the contrast of Peace/Argument. It's like a reminder that peace is not passive and permissive. And that the goal of argument is not aggression and self-vindication.

"Smiling is very important. If we are not able to smile, then the world will not have peace. It is not by going out for a demonstration against nuclear missiles that we can bring about peace. It is with our capacity of smiling, breathing, and being peace that we can make peace." Thich Nhat Hanh.

"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy and peace." Galatians 5:22