moral imagination

The phrase 'the moral imagination' emerged in John Paul's writing and speaking following the events of September 11, 2001. In his reflections, he explores the moral imagination as the capacity to imagine something rooted in the challenges of the real world yet capable of giving birth to that which does not yet exist. In reference to peacebuilding, this includes the capacity to imagine and generate constructive responses and initiatives that, while rooted in the day-to-day challenges of violence, transcend and ultimately break the grips of those destructive patterns and cycles. The content in this section comprises reflection on and application of the moral imagination as a collection of individual and collective capacities that together can help guide the epic journey of the pursuit of peacebuilding.

The Pocket Guide for Facing Down a Civil War: Surprising ideas from everyday people who shifted the cycles of violence

The Pocket Guide for Facing Down a Civil War: Surprising ideas from everyday people who shifted the cycles of violence

A collection of stories, reflections, and wisdom offering insight into the challenge of facing down toxic polarization layered with violence and the surprising ways everyday people found to shift harmful patterns of violence that had lasted decades. 

The Poetic Unfolding of the Human Spirit

The Poetic Unfolding of the Human Spirit

A travelogue reflecting on what it means to be fully engaged in the world.

The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace

The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace

A book weaving thoughts and insights about the nature, challenges, and possibilities of constructive social change.

Pepperdine University Lecture The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace

Pepperdine University Lecture The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace

A contribution to the W. David Baird Distinguished Lecture Series at Pepperdine University's Seaver College.

Spirituality and Religious Peacebuilding

Spirituality and Religious Peacebuilding

A chapter exploring the meaning of quality of presence rising from spiritual resources that facilitate the practice of religious peacebuilding in protracted conflict.

The Arts and Peacebuilding: Using Imagination and Creativity

The Arts and Peacebuilding: Using Imagination and Creativity

A chapter that explores three examples that illustrate the power of arts and creativity in building peace.

John Paul Lederach on Peacebuilding Through Relationship & Common Connection

John Paul Lederach on Peacebuilding Through Relationship & Common Connection

A conversation with Gina Baleria about the moral imagination and the importance of relationship building across perceived divides in contexts of conflict.

The Art of Peacebuilding: Haiku, Accompaniment, and Courageous Love

The Art of Peacebuilding: Haiku, Accompaniment, and Courageous Love

John Paul and Serena Bian share a conversation on topics including the inner dimensions of peacebuilding, intergenerational and collective trauma and healing, and spiritual sustenance for long-term engagement in social change.

Imagination: Peacebuilding and Praxis with John Paul Lederach

Imagination: Peacebuilding and Praxis with John Paul Lederach

A conversation about the moral imagination as a source and approach to long-term, sustainable social change.