Human beings are combative creatures. They struggle with themselves, with their neighbors, with society, and—often most intensely—with God. But is this “struggle for life” merely a laborious necessity, or does it hold the key to our freedom? This volume brings together the papers from a symposium held at the former Capuchin College of Philosophy and Theology in Münster—now CTS University of Applied Sciences Münster—which is sponsored by religious orders and spiritual communities. The authors examine the phenomenon of “conflict” in all its facets through three main themes: Biblical-Exegetical: From Jacob’s night struggle to the “battle of the passions” in the Epistle of James. Systematic-Spiritual: On the struggle in prayer, the “power of anger,” and the paradox of spiritual disarmament. Practical-Social: On the Franciscan culture of conflict, interreligious encounter between Christianity and Islam, and the ethics of public debate in a democracy. The book presents a profound plea for a new culture of debate that does not destroy, but rather takes the human person in their entirety—flawed and blessed at the same time—seriously.