Christology in the War-Torn Context of South Sudan: Reconciliation, Hope, and the Suffering Savior
Author : Simon J Woodstock
Abstract :
This paper intends a Christological perspective and approach to effective spiritual healing and social reconciliation in South Sudan. That is, in the midst of the severe conflict, religious intolerance, Islamic aggression (Jihad), and tribal retaliation in the region, Jesus Christ, the suffering servant, satisfies as the restorative, sanctifying balm for Sudanese believers, their families, and local churches (Is. 55:3; Acts 16:31; Eph. 5:23). This olive branch of healing can also be extended to the broader population via subsequent overflow of societal Christian benevolence (Matt. 22:37-39; Col. 1:19-20). Towards this endeavor, a focused dialogue between the Christian and Muslim worldviews will be traversed, but done so in the spirit of amicable dialogue, rather than that of polemics. What is more, the war related traumas that are unfortunately so prevalent in the Saharan regions will be carefully analyzed as well. The hope is to foster deeper insight and understanding of what the South Sudanese experience on a regular basis in the plight of their daily lives. The research modalities used to support this thesis include sociological analysis, interfaith relations, redemptive analogies, comparative religious perspectives, and a proposed practical theology of suffering and reconciliation. In this stride, an overview of the civil conflicts in the region will be presented, and the tribal peace-ritual sacrifice of Mabior (cir. 1999) will be analyzed regarding its potential for (and/or hindrance to) peacemaking attempts and contextualized outreach.
Keywords :
Christology, peace, reconciliation, South Sudan, war related trauma
