tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143412130453638688.post2515264012298129222..comments2023-06-19T01:06:02.910-07:00Comments on 'A Just Church': A view from DSEi: "War is normal"Chris Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10935747910702456764noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143412130453638688.post-49465083587300675942011-10-04T00:31:29.168-07:002011-10-04T00:31:29.168-07:00Steven Pinker's new book 'The Better Angel...Steven Pinker's new book 'The Better Angels of our Nature' was reviewed in the Guradian a couple of weeks ago: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/sep/22/better-angels-steven-pinker-review?INTCMP=SRCH in it he argues that we have moved away from violence, particularly in recent history. The final paragraph of the review recommends it as essential reading on this subject:<br /><br />'Does our gradual move away from violence towards civility leave us better or worse equipped to deal with the next great calamity when it comes? No one can know, and Pinker does not pretend to provide an answer. But in the meantime, everyone should read this astonishing book.'mjnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970105383616618340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143412130453638688.post-3171790910844842572011-09-17T10:54:27.655-07:002011-09-17T10:54:27.655-07:00If war is so normal why does it take so much techn...If war is so normal why does it take so much technology, secrecy, and propaganda to keep it going? <br /><br />But we all justify our actions and all our justifications sound silly to anyone who doesn't need the justification.Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02147525823683417890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143412130453638688.post-91973253245886907742011-09-16T15:49:41.548-07:002011-09-16T15:49:41.548-07:00I think you are wrong. War is normal in the sense ...I think you are wrong. War is normal in the sense that it has pervaded humanities struggles for time immemorial. At times it has been the haven of the haves over the have nots but what else would you expect from us newly evolved animals? We fight for what we do not have, even if we are too lazy or stupid to deserve it. The truth, however, is that the power struggles have vasilated over time in many areas but to paint the picture you do,whilst it may fit you predudice, is false. Just look at the history of Ireland. The Unionists of the 1800s like Wolfetone were rich but prepared to fight for principle. I fear your polarised position on conflict fails to account of the nuances but is essential to your world view. Sad!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com