Is conflict inevitable in human history and future? Definition and Scope Conflict, broadly defined, involves any form of disagreement, contention, or struggle that disrupts peace between individuals or groups. Throughout human history, societies have experienced conflicts driven by political, territorial, ideological, and spiritual factors. The question of whether conflict is inevitable pertains both to humanity’s collective past and its prophesied future. This entry will explore the biblical foundations regarding conflict, its root causes, its manifestation through history, and expectations for the future according to Scripture. The Roots of Conflict in Scripture Conflict finds its origin in humankind’s moral and spiritual condition. From the biblical perspective, humanity’s inclination toward sin fosters the conditions for conflict: 1. The Fall and Human Nature • Genesis 3 narrates humanity’s first act of rebellion, leading to a fallen nature. As a result, discord arises both between humans and with God. • Romans 5:12 affirms, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned.” This condition predisposes humanity to strife. 2. Inner Passions and Desires • James 4:1 asks, “What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?” Internal struggles—envy, pride, selfish ambition—inevitably spill into conflicts. 3. Spiritual Forces of Evil • Ephesians 6:12 states, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Conflict extends beyond mere human disagreements and has a spiritual dimension in a fallen world. Historical Examples of Conflict in the Biblical Narrative Scripture records numerous conflicts, offering context for how these arise and are resolved: 1. Early Biblical Conflicts • Genesis 4 depicts Cain’s murder of Abel, illustrating the devastating intersection of human jealousy and sin. Archaeological studies in the Near East (e.g., various Mesopotamian records and settlements) confirm patterns of tribal and familial skirmishes, aligning with early biblical descriptions of strife. • The accounts of Noah’s generation (Genesis 6) describe a world “full of violence,” prompting the Flood judgment. Such a portrayal corresponds with ancient Near Eastern flood traditions (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh) that speak to cataclysmic conflict and moral corruption. 2. National and International Conflicts • The Exodus narrative describes Israel’s enslavement in Egypt and eventual conflict with the Egyptian empire (Exodus 1–14). Historical evidence, such as Egyptian records of Semitic peoples, supports a pattern of turbulence involving foreigners in Egypt. • Conflicts with Canaanite city-states, as recorded in Joshua, continue to be assessed through archaeological sites like Jericho and Lachish, which reveal layers of destruction consistent with biblical warfare periods. • The Tel Dan Inscription (ninth century BC) corroborates the existence of the “House of David” and refers to military campaigns consistent with the conflicts described in Kings and Chronicles. 3. Internal Conflicts among God’s People • Judges records repeated cycles of rebellion, foreign oppression, calls for deliverance, and a return to discord, emphasizing the link between spiritual disobedience and conflict. • Israel and Judah’s divided kingdom era (1 Kings 12 onward) features civil war and strife that reflect how collective unfaithfulness leads to downward spirals of internal turmoil. Conflict in Present Human Experience Contemporary conflicts—wars, terrorism, ideological clashes, personal disagreements—reflect the same underlying biblical pattern of sin, conflicting desires, and spiritual brokenness: 1. International and Political Tensions • Wars and rumors of wars (cf. Matthew 24:6: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars…”) continue unabated in global affairs. Political ideologies, territorial claims, and power struggles mirror the historical conflicts recorded in Scripture. • Modern-day discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, contain “War Scroll” texts expecting cosmic conflict between the “Sons of Light” and “Sons of Darkness,” evidencing the biblical anticipation of ongoing spiritual and earthly battles. 2. Societal and Relational Strife • Societies are marked by cultural, economic, and social tensions, often fueled by the same internal passions James discusses. Racism, class struggles, and familial quarrels have roots in pride, envy, and the inclination to sin. • Behavioral science observations align with Scripture’s premise that entrenched selfishness and moral failures contribute to conflict. People’s hostility often stems from unmet desires and perceived threats to identity or status. Future Prophecy: Is Conflict Inevitable? Biblical prophecy addresses the inevitability of conflict in human history but also points to an eventual resolution: 1. End-Times Conflicts • Jesus predicts in Matthew 24:7: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” This statement suggests the continued reality of conflict in the lead-up to the culmination of history. • Revelation 19:19–21 describes a climactic battle between the forces of evil and the returning Christ, culminating in the defeat of those forces. The biblical outlook, therefore, reads conflict as both ongoing and intensifying before divine resolution occurs. 2. Ultimate Peace in the New Creation • Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” This depicts an eventual end to conflict. • Isaiah 2:4 envisions a time when “they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor train anymore for war.” Such prophetic images highlight that eternal peace will replace earthly strife in the new creation. Spiritual and Practical Implications From a biblical standpoint, while sin remains, conflict is inevitable in the present fallen world. Yet believers are called to seek peace and reconciliation: 1. Striving for Peace Amidst Conflict • Romans 12:18 exhorts, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” Even though conflict is bound to arise, humans are instructed to sustain as much harmony as possible. • Forgiveness (Matthew 6:14–15) and overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21) are guiding principles for mitigating conflict’s destructive impact. 2. Hope for the Future • Followers of Christ are encouraged to view conflict in light of divine sovereignty. God’s plan includes redemption and ultimate restoration, meaning that conflict will not have the final word. • Even in present struggles, believers look forward to the return of Christ, who will establish a lasting peace that transcends human efforts. Conclusion Biblical teaching and historical evidence attest that conflict, fueled by human sinfulness and spiritual rebellion, has been an integral part of humanity’s experience from the earliest times. Scripture anticipates continued conflict in the future, culminating in a decisive intervention by God—leading to the eventual eradication of enmity. While conflict on earth persists, believers are called to promote peace and embody reconciliation, recognizing that the fullness of peace will only be realized when all creation is restored under God’s righteous reign. Thus, conflict is inevitable in the present historical framework, but it is not the ultimate reality. The hope rooted in the promises of the Word of God proclaims that peace will eventually prevail, assured by the resurrection power of Christ and the sovereign purposes of the Creator. |
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