What We Really Mean When We Talk About Peace: Can We Find It in the Chaos? Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast S3E50
Sep 06, 2026
Summary
What if peace isn’t avoiding conflict but instead facing it without losing ourselves in the process? In this episode of Perspectives, Rev. Drs. Hannah and Brittany explore what we really mean when we talk about peace through the story of Daniel—who continues to pray even when doing so puts his life at risk.
Detail
What if peace isn’t avoiding conflict but instead facing it without losing ourselves in the process?
In this episode of Perspectives, Rev. Drs. Hannah and Brittany explore what we really mean when we talk about peace through the story of Daniel—who continues to pray even when doing so puts his life at risk. Daniel doesn’t find peace by escaping a chaotic world. He finds a way to remain grounded in his faith, his values, and his sense of self while living amid political pressure, injustice, and uncertainty. So, what does Daniel have to teach us about finding peace when the world around us feels anything but peaceful?
Together, the female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego explore:
- Why peace isn't the same thing as serenity, comfort, or the absence of conflict
- How faith can help us stay grounded when circumstances are chaotic
- The difference between peaceful resistance and passive compliance
- What it means to hold onto your identity and integrity in an unjust world
- How mindfulness and prayer can help us remain present rather than consumed by fear
- Why “keeping the peace” can sometimes protect injustice
- How we can cultivate inner quiet without withdrawing from the world
- What it means to find moments of joy and peace in the midst of heartbreak and struggle
Reflection Questions
- When does “keeping the peace” actually protect injustice?
- What is the difference between peaceful resistance and passive compliance?
- Can peace include conflict?
This episode is part of our five-week series, “What We Really Mean When We Talk About…”, exploring complicated theological concepts and what they mean for our lives today. Next week, we'll explore what we really mean when we talk about faith. Whether you're deconstructing your faith, exploring progressive Christianity, pursuing justice, or simply asking honest questions about Scripture, we hope you'll join the conversation.
Continue the conversation:
- Convergence discussion group (Sundays at 12 PM)
- Join our Patreon community
Time Stamps
00:00 What if Peace Isn't the Absence of Conflict?
01:36 Daniel Chooses Faith in the Face of Danger
04:45 What Jealousy Can Teach Us About Knowing Who We Are
06:26 Faith, Integrity, and Living Under Political Power
07:20 Peace Doesn't Require a Perfect Situation
08:14 From a Meditation Retreat to the “Concrete Jungle”
11:15 Finding Joy and Peace in the Midst of Heartbreak
12:36 Is Daniel Practicing Mindfulness?
13:27 Peace Doesn’t Mean Giving Up the Fight
20:25 Peace Isn't Comfort—It Can Exist in Conflict
