Narratives of Families, Faith and Nation

Abstract

A work-in-progress essay that highlights some results of research on families responding to war. Presents the exploration of the culture of families as they face war over several generations as public pastoral theology that identifies and evaluates the multiple (and sometimes contending) core meaning systems about war operating within families and between families and their religious and national environments over time. Identifies how these value systems and contexts mediate practical strategies for healing, sustaining, guiding, and liberating individuals, cultures, and the natural order ravished by war. Suggests ways to modify some core theological commitments and moral assessments about the nature and impact of war as an enterprise in relation to the common good.