Political and international conflicts in the contemporary world are not shaped solely by material interests or geopolitical competition; they are also influenced by identities, moral perceptions, and competing narratives through which actors interpret one another. In situations where conflict becomes unavoidable and cannot be resolved in the short term, the central challenge is not merely ending the conflict but managing it in a way that restrains violence and preserves ethical boundaries. This article examines how practical theology can contribute to the ethical containment and reduction of unavoidable conflicts. Using a descriptive–analytical method and documentary sources, the study employs constructivism as its theoretical framework to explore the relationship between theological teachings and the levels of conflict reduction. The article analyzes four levels of conflict reduction—prevention, management, resolution, and transformation—and evaluates their relevance under conditions of unavoidable conflict. The findings suggest that when conflict persists and cooperation is limited, conflict management becomes the primary priority, aimed at preventing disproportionate violence, safeguarding human dignity, and maintaining minimal channels of dialogue. The study argues that practical theology functions not only as a moral discourse but also as a strategic framework for reshaping meanings, identities, and narratives of conflict in ways that prevent the absolutization of enmity and keep open the possibility of future transformation.
Ansari Bardeh,R . (2026). Functions of Practical Theology in Unavoidable Conflicts. (e247449). Practical Theology, (), e247449 doi: 10.22034/pt.2026.587606.1109
MLA
Ansari Bardeh,R . "Functions of Practical Theology in Unavoidable Conflicts" .e247449 , Practical Theology, , , 2026, e247449. doi: 10.22034/pt.2026.587606.1109
HARVARD
Ansari Bardeh R. (2026). 'Functions of Practical Theology in Unavoidable Conflicts', Practical Theology, (), e247449. doi: 10.22034/pt.2026.587606.1109
CHICAGO
R Ansari Bardeh, "Functions of Practical Theology in Unavoidable Conflicts," Practical Theology, (2026): e247449, doi: 10.22034/pt.2026.587606.1109
VANCOUVER
Ansari Bardeh R. Functions of Practical Theology in Unavoidable Conflicts. Practical Theology. 2026;():e247449 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/pt.2026.587606.1109