I grew up during the heat of the Cold War, which pitted democratic countries, led by the US, against the communist bloc, led by the USSR. The relationship between the two blocs was one of stark confrontation. Their strategy in dealing with the other was MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) with thousands of their missiles aimed and ready to fire at the other.
In recent years, the world has enjoyed the longest period in human history of relative peace where these has not been any global conflagration, but for regional conflicts. The drive for globalization has brought nations into mutually beneficial trade relationships, where cooperation rather than confrontation is the norm for behavior among nations. Nations have too much invested in the present economic order so everyone wants to maintain the peace and stability.
Globalization has not been without problems. It has benefited many countries but it has also widened the gaps between the rich and poor nations. This gap has spawned and abetted the rise and spread of terrorism. Often, this terrorism has been fed by some mantle of religious fervor that is based on exclusivity rather than inclusion.
In his heart of hearts, man knows that he is meant to live with others in this world. That no man is an island. That, if we just learn to share, there is enough for everyone. That, if we just learn to care, there is no need for conflict and confrontation. That, if we just see in others the beauty and value we see in ourselves, there will be heaven here on earth. But the baser instincts of men often get the better of us. We have to strive against these baser instincts; otherwise, we are all headed for Mutually Assured Destruction.
Our baser instincts say “Revenge!” Christ says “Forgive. Reconcile.”
“When you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 5:20-26