Derivative Codes for Conflict Management in African Cultural Communalism With Reference to Acts 6:1-7 and James 4:1-3

Abstract

Conflict is a social reality in human existence and Inter-Relationship. Conflict remains a possible phenomenon in a pluralistic society that is characterized by self-righteousness, self-centeredness, self-satisfaction, self-aggrandizement and self-promotion. This pyrrhic triumph of the self is always with a corresponding distaste for self-denial proper for union with God and man. In what Rudolf Bulttman refers to as the sphere of men’s thinking, planning, and desiring in their cares and wishes, their pleasures and pursuits, their pride and arrogance, conflict rears its ugly head in virtually all spheres of human endeavours in Africa as observed in socio- economic, political and religious interactions. This paper considered the concept of communalism, using biblical hermeneutic tools, for an egalitarian society where conflict would not only be drastically reduced, but would always be well managed whenever it resurfaces. Since there is no community that can develop in the absence of peace, communalism as an art must be made to reflect the realities of a typical African cultural methods of interactions as well as biblical modes of managing human differences exacerbated by desires. While some New Testament passages will be studied by related words, characters such as Jesus, Paul and Peter shall be cited in their conflict resolution approaches as examples for Africans in different positions of authorities who are daily faced with developmental challenges through series of conflicts and violence, either in politics, religious and educational sectors.

Keywords: Conflict, Conflict Management, African Culture, Communalism