Just after commemorating 9/11, I received this email from a concerned Christian: Jim, I see much error in your theology based on what I read on your Q and A and blog. I guess the question is do you focus on peace making or true repentance leading to salvation? I also am concerned by yourContinue reading “Jesus in the Qur’an”
Category Archives: Peacemaking
Ray Rice and the NFL–Punishment versus Compassionate Help
One of the biggest stories in the news right now is about the professional football player, Ray Rice. Video tape shows him back in March brutally punching out his fiancé (now his wife) and dragging her unconscious body out of an elevator. The response of the National Football League at first was to suspendContinue reading “Ray Rice and the NFL–Punishment versus Compassionate Help”
Imagination, Hope, Prayer and Societal Change
Societal change does not come by accident; it occurs because someone first imagined it. This imagination can sneak into your life anytime, anywhere. For Mother Teresa, it started the first time she walked by a dying person on the street and wondered why no one was doing anything about it. For a young Martin LutherContinue reading “Imagination, Hope, Prayer and Societal Change”
What do Muslims Believe?
An American friend recently told me that he had discovered there were some Muslim families in his apartment complex. But he hesitated to approach them, not knowing how they would respond. He assumed if he understood what Muslims believe first, it would help him to make friends. My friend’s desire is understandable, but may notContinue reading “What do Muslims Believe?”
Christians & Muslims work together in Afghanistan?
You all know about my work bringing Christians and Muslims together in Indonesia–in fact, this week members of both groups are coming together for prayer and fasting for personal breakthroughs, and expecting God to surprise us with His miracles, reminding us how extravagant His love is for us! But in Afghanistan?? Yes, believe it or not,Continue reading “Christians & Muslims work together in Afghanistan?”
The Importance of Reconciliation in Conflict Resolution – Part 2
I’m a bit behind on my writing due to moving from the US back to Indonesia, back to our work with local Muslims and Christians pursuing peace. What a joy to be surrounded by people here who share a common dream for a better world and are willing to put aside their personal prejudices andContinue reading “The Importance of Reconciliation in Conflict Resolution – Part 2”
The Importance of Reconciliation in Conflict Resolution
Effective peacemaking depends on Conflict Resolution–but Conflict Resolution without Reconciliation is rarely effective. This December I’ll be writing a 2-part blog on this topic. Part 1 is already written and posted on the website of my good friend and amazing peacemaker, Thomas Davis (who will also soon be a guest blogger on this site!). PleaseContinue reading “The Importance of Reconciliation in Conflict Resolution”
Jim’s Top 3 Books of the Year
All 3 of the following books touched me deeply, changed my paradigms, and brought revelatory freshness to my calling as a peacemaker. Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle is my favorite book of the year! It ripped me up. I cried every time I opened it–in the restaurant,Continue reading “Jim’s Top 3 Books of the Year”
Healing the Wounds of 9/11
In 2003, President George W. Bush sent American troops to invade Iraq. We were living in Indonesia, and many Muslim students opposed the war. Just 50 yards from our office (the only business in town where Americans worked), protestors hung banners stating, “Go to Hell America,” and “George Bush is the great Satan.” We wonderedContinue reading “Healing the Wounds of 9/11”
My Response to SOMEONE HAS TO DIE — by “Grace”
JIM’S BOOK BROUGHT HEALING TO MY HEART OVER MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD IN THE MIDDLE EAST When I read “Someone Has to Die,” I couldn’t put it down. I read it till about 4:30 in the morning till I finished. It was well-written, fast-paced, action-packed, emotionally rich, and relationally challenging. It reminded me of someContinue reading “My Response to SOMEONE HAS TO DIE — by “Grace””
Jim Baton 