Christian Responses to Conflict in Burma

Abstract

Political violence, ethnic war, and religious conflict have gravely rocked the modern state of Burma ever since 1948 when it became independent. The Burmese perhaps know better than most what it feels like to be devastated by racial hatred and religious intolerance as they have seen the deadly consequences of unchecked ethno-religious bigotry. They endeavor in spite of this to make a better future for the coming generation, and Burmese Christians, as responsible citizens, make a relatively considerable contribution to this national collective attempt. Few scholars following events in Burma, though, pay sufficient attention to how Christians respond to this politically complex and tense situation. This article, thus, carefully navigates the historical trajectories of toxic ethno-religious conflict and political violence and closely explores some role Christians seemingly prudently play in positive reaction to this tough reality.