Making Peace with Fire | Regis University Magazine

Kinoti teaching multiple students in a classroom

"Making Peace with Fire"

M.D. Kinoti, Regis University professor, unveils new book on peace and conflict

By Sheryl Tirol

M.D. Kinoti, Ph.D, a professor at Regis University, has spent his life grappling with conflict — both personal and societal. His new book, Making Peace with Fire, emerged from these experiences, offering a fresh perspective on peacemaking.

Growing up in Kenya, Kinoti was surrounded by conflict, both within his family and community. Now, with a wealth of personal insight and years of academic work, he is sharing his vision of how people can find ways to live more harmoniously.

“The inspiration was both personal and ministry-driven,” Kinoti said. “I grew up in a conflict-laden environment, both in my family and community. Writing the book was my way of processing my upbringing and trying to share my Christian perspective on peace and peacemaking.”

Kinoti grew up in a polygamous family where tensions between various mothers and siblings were common. The conflict didn’t stop at home; tribal disputes also shaped his early years. “It was common to be told certain families or tribes were our enemies, even though some of them were my friends growing up,” he recalled.

His Christian faith, however, helped him reorient his thinking, offering him an identity that transcended the tribal stories of division. “My Christian faith gave me a new identity beyond tribal stories, allowing me to embrace the belief that everyone is my brother and sister,” Kinoti said. This core belief serves as the foundation of his book, which draws not only on his personal experiences but also on biblical teachings about peace.

For Kinoti, Making Peace with Fire is not just for Christians. He believes the message is universal and relevant to people of all faiths — and even those without faith. “The Bible talks a lot about peace and peacemaking,” Kinoti said. “My message is not just for Christians, but for people of all faiths. We need more perspectives to bring back peace in our communities.”

The book also calls out the divisive nature of modern political ideologies, which Kinoti believes are artificially imposed on people, leading to unnecessary conflict. “The identities we've embraced — left, right — are tearing us apart,” he said. “We have much more in common, and yet we've been duped into thinking we're enemies based on political ideologies. We need to rethink these identities and focus on our shared human needs.”

Kinoti doesn’t shy away from critiquing the church in America either. “The church in America has been hoodwinked,” he said. “The Bible is clear that we are all children of God, regardless of background. The church should be preaching unity, speaking truth to both the left and the right, and not aligning with political divisions.”

Kinoti stands in the front of the classroom, near the whiteboard, and is talking to students — M.D. Kinoti, Ph.D., who has taught at Regis since 2010, is an expert in community and leadership development. He pulls from his personal and professional experiences in his latest book.

As a professor of leadership and management in the nonprofit management program at Regis University, Kinoti brings these ideas into the classroom, where he teaches conflict resolution. “Conflict is a reality of life, especially in leadership,” Kinoti said.

"I teach students how to listen, rephrase and find common ground. It’s eye-opening for them to realize how pervasive conflict is and how important conflict resolution skills are in personal and professional settings.”

One of his most impactful classes involves having students interview mediators. “The experiential class where students interview mediators changes lives,” Kinoti said. “They realize that mediation is a powerful, underrated tool for resolving conflicts without going to court — solutions that are cheaper and less acrimonious.”

At the heart of Kinoti’s message is the belief that living peacefully with one another is possible. “Living with one another in peace is possible. I want people to believe that is a reality,” he said. However, he acknowledges that peace doesn’t mean avoiding conflict altogether. “There are some situations where, if it’s abuse, you need to figure out it’s abuse and move on or find a way to remove yourself. But peace is possible.”

Kinoti also encourages people to rethink comfort. "Comfort is a way for us to find a rhythm for living with one another,” he said. He reflected on human selfishness and the inevitable clashes that arise because of our differences, yet he believes that conflict offers an opportunity to change. “Conflict is an opportunity for us to learn from and understand other people. It helps me mature.”

Ultimately, Kinoti hopes that his book will inspire personal and relationship growth. “I hope people see conflict as an opportunity for growth — both personally and in relationships — and really believe that peace is possible,” he said.

In Making Peace with Fire, Kinoti calls for a shift in how we approach conflict, urging readers to seek unity, embrace mediation, and most importantly, believe that peace is not just a dream but a reality we can achieve. “Almost every faith tradition has a teaching on peace,” he said, “and if we took our faith seriously, we would act on it as well.”