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| The true pathway to peace and reconciliation is here unfolded by Jack Gaines. It leads to freedom and growth instead of the self-imposed prison created by hatred. Forgiveness is at the core of this peace-building paradigm.
But can this process work for nations? Is it not just another religious discourse? Jack Gaines’s response is quite striking as he states: “The world is searching for peace, but peace is not in the DNA of man.” Most of the time in history and even today, religions have fueled hatred or prevented countries from reaching peace. This book is not about religion; it is about understanding the deep roots of our inability, as humans, to achieve peace and reconciliation. Jack Gaines’s personal experience as well as his search for peace has led to some groundbreaking revelations. And I have been privileged to meet him in his journey and to partake with him in the process which led, in December 1999, to the organization of “The Leaders Conference for Reconciliation & Development” in Cotonou (Benin Republic). |
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| Chapter 2 Deception: The Truth About Being Deceived Satan’s Favorite Tool for Creating Conflict The birth of Iniquity was the beginning of man’s choice to misplace blame, justify sin, and avoid responsibility. In Adam, man began exercising his God-given free will to act contrary to God’s will without accepting blame. Iniquity has plagued man ever since. This single incident in history has resulted in all kinds of complexities in life—all levels of conflict. Sin is the wrongful act, and iniquity is the attempt to justify it. Excuses lead to refusals to reconcile and align with God’s will. Adam disobeyed God, stepped off His path, and created an alternative path for man to follow. (Excerpt page 42) |
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