Conflict In The Society JSS3 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

Conflict is a disagreement resulting from actual or perceived differences or incompatibilities. It happens when people have different ideas, values, needs, or goals. Every conflict is accompanied by misunderstanding which often usually escalates the conflict.

Therefore, since we all should do our best to avoid conflict, it should be known that as long as we live on earth, conflict is part of our existence and as such, inevitable. Conflicts happen in families, between friends, at work, in schools, in churches, and between countries.

Types of Conflict in Society

There are many types of conflict that we experience in our daily lives:

1. Interpersonal Conflict

This happens between two or more people. Examples include:

• Arguments between friends
• Disagreements between family members
• Misunderstandings between coworkers

2. Intrapersonal Conflict

This happens within a person’s mind when they have competing thoughts or feelings:

• Choosing between two important options
• Feeling torn between what you want and what is right
• Dealing with mixed emotions about a situation

3. Group Conflict

This happens between groups of people:

• Conflicts between different departments at work
• Disagreements between different clubs at school
• Tensions between different communities in a town

4. Organizational Conflict

This happens within organizations like schools, companies, or churches:

• Disagreements about rules or policies
• Conflicts about resources or money
• Different ideas about how to reach goals

Causes of Conflict

Understanding why conflicts happen can help us prevent or resolve them:

1. Poor Communication

• Not listening carefully
• Misunderstanding what someone means
• Not sharing important information

2. Different Values and Beliefs

• Having different ideas about what is right or wrong
• Coming from different cultural backgrounds
• Having different religious views

3. Limited Resources

• Not having enough money, time, or space
• Competing for the same job or position
• Wanting the same things when there’s not enough for everyone

4. Personality Differences

• Different working styles
• Different ways of expressing emotions
• Different approaches to solving problems

Effects of Conflict

Do bear in mind that it is not conflict that defines you but how you handle the conflict. If we respond to every conflict negatively we will continually live a distressed, bitter, and unproductive life.

Negative Effects:

• Stress and anxiety
• Damaged relationships
• Wasted time and energy
• Lost opportunities
• Physical health problems
• Emotional pain

Positive Effects (when handled well):

• Better understanding of others
• New and creative solutions
• Personal growth and learning
• Stronger relationships after resolution
• Positive changes in systems or rules

Resolving Conflicts

Do not be perturbed by the possibilities of conflicts because whenever they come, there are ways of resolving them in churches and schools. Find some of them below:

Procedures Used for Resolving Disputes in Church

1. Develop the proper attitude
   1. Be meek (Galatians 6:1)
   2. Be humble (James 4:10)
   3. Be forgiving (Ephesians 4:31-32)
   4. Be patient (James 1:19-20)
2. Recognize and admit your part in the conflict
   1. Matthew 7:1-5 says to remove the log in your eyes first before removing the speck in another person’s eyes.
   2. Ask yourself: “How did I contribute to this problem?”
   3. Be honest about your mistakes or wrong actions
3. Go to the person, not other people, and voice your concern
   1. This is done in love, not just to get something off your chest.
   2. If you accuse the person you are making matters worse.
   3. Attack the problem, not the person.
   4. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements
   5. For example, say “I felt hurt when…” instead of “You always hurt me”
4. If the person rejects your plea for reconciliation, invite a third party who will serve as a mediator
   1. Matthew 18:16 provides guidance for this step
   2. Remember your objective is not to win an argument but to win a fellow Christian back.
   3. Let the mediator be a well-respected person who is fair and wise
   4. The mediator should help both sides understand each other better

Six Steps to Solving Conflicts in School

1. Cool off, don’t speak in anger
   1. Take deep breaths or count to ten
   2. Walk away for a short time if needed
   3. Wait until you can speak calmly
   4. Remember that angry words can make things worse
2. Tell what’s bothering you
   1. Use clear and specific examples
   2. Focus on the problem, not the person
   3. Explain how the situation makes you feel
   4. Be honest but respectful
3. Each person should restate what they heard the other person say
   1. This shows you are listening
   2. It helps clear up misunderstandings
   3. Say things like “What I hear you saying is…”
   4. Ask if you understood correctly
4. Take responsibility: in conflict, we all have our part
   1. Don’t shift blame, take responsibility
   2. Admit your fault
   3. This will make resolution possible
   4. Remember that most conflicts involve mistakes on both sides
5. Brainstorm solutions: there are many solutions to a single problem
   1. Be willing to seek compromise
   2. Think of at least three possible solutions
   3. Consider what would be fair for everyone
   4. Be creative in your thinking
6. Affirm, forgive, or thank
   1. A handshake, hug, or kind words give closure to the resolution of conflicts
   2. Forgiveness is the best form of resolving conflict
   3. Thank the other person for working with you
   4. Make a commitment to do better in the future

Conflict Prevention

1. It’s always better to prevent conflicts when possible:
2. Practice good communication
   1. Listen carefully before responding
   2. Ask questions when you don’t understand
   3. Speak clearly and honestly
3. Show respect for differences
   1. Accept that people have different opinions
   2. Learn about other cultures and viewpoints
   3. Value diversity in your community
4. Build strong relationships
   1. Get to know people before problems arise
   2. Find common interests and goals
   3. Show care and concern for others
5. Set clear expectations
   1. Make rules and boundaries clear
   2. Discuss potential problems ahead of time
   3. Create fair systems for sharing resources

Conclusion

Conflict is a normal part of life in society. While we should try to prevent unnecessary conflicts, we need to learn how to handle them well when they do occur. By following the steps for conflict resolution, we can turn difficult situations into opportunities for growth and better relationships.

Remember: it’s not the conflict that defines you, but how you handle it.

EVALUATION

1. Define conflict.
2. List three types of conflict and give examples of each.
3. What are the best ways to resolve conflicts?
4. Why is it important to take responsibility in a conflict situation?
5. How can good communication help prevent conflicts?