Reddit reviews Theology of Peace

Write your story, but don't expect much. (Low expectations lead to pleasant surprises.) Religion is a very emotional topic for most people. Logic - usually - need not apply to the conversation.

I can empathize with you. My stepfather is wonderful. He has loved me and cared for me in ways beyond measure. And, he is not-quite-ultra-conservative in his beliefs. He has gay friends and is OK with gay marriage, but as for the rest, he has consumed the Fox News water. He thinks all Muslims should be banned from the US. He thinks Trump is a great businessman and would make a great president. He wants the military to solve all the world's problems. He thinks more guns = more safety.

I can quote more New Testament scripture than my dad can, but that doesn't matter. Also, prooftext as evidence is usually not the best from a source like the Bible. The book is so self-contradictory. The Gospel of Matthew says both "lay down your burdens" and "pick up your cross." Well, which one is it?!?

Instead, look into composed theologies.

• Theology of Peace by Paul Tillich
  
• Living Justice and Peace by Jerry Windley-Daoust
  
• Not in God's Name by Jonathan Sacks
  
  I will also warn you, that this could backfire. I have said these things to my dad before, only to get responses like, "I want peace, too, but Muslims don't," and "I just want to keep my family safe. If that means bombing (Syria/Iran/N. Korea), then that's what we have to do." Sigh.