Abstract
This article investigates the argument that the Christian idea of forgiveness can and should be translated into a socio-political context, from a Reformed perspective. It furthermore endeavours to provide guidelines that can be applied in the sphere of a political transition of the basis of an ethics of forgiveness. The new post-Apartheid society of South Africa is a good example of such a political transition. The central theoretical argument of this investigation is that the Christian theological perspective of forgiveness can indeed be translated into a socio-political praxis. Seen within the context of major biblical themes, this can provide a valuable, if not indispensable, contribution to the quest for reconciliation and nation-building in countries troubled by histories of colonialism, ethnocentrism, tribalism, racism and xenophobia.
Highlights
In post-conflict reconstruction it is important to establish institutions that are superior to those that existed before the violent escalation of conflict, and which do not contain the same failures that led to the conflict in the first place (Wolff 2007:156)
I do not want to enter into this debate because the purpose of this study is to focus on the reality of evil in creation and its effects for the relational quality of human existence
If churches reflect the same images of a broken and divided society, they can not be symbols of hope and signs of the kingdom of God, which is God’s way to show his compassion to humankind. These broad contours of an ethics of forgiveness provide a paradigm for further reflection on other prominent issues resurging in a process of truth and reconciliation
Summary
In post-conflict reconstruction it is important to establish institutions that are superior to those that existed before the violent escalation of conflict, and which do not contain the same failures that led to the conflict in the first place (Wolff 2007:156). As a result Truth Commissions have emerged in many countries that have become known for their political transitions from oppressive systems with mass human rights violations to stable democracies and sound economic policies These Commissions attempt to deal with the past injustices in a manner that would ensure reconciliation and transformation to a better society (see Kritz 1995; Jaques 2000:22). The central theoretical argument of this investigation is that the Christian theological perspective of forgiveness can be translated into a socio-political praxis and, seen within the context of major biblical themes, can provide a valuable, if not indispensable, contribution in the quest for reconciliation and nation-building in countries troubled by histories of colonialism, ethnocentrism, tribalism, racism and xenophobia. The major biblical themes that come into consideration are the biblical call to forgiveness, the creation of humankind in the image of God, the destructive influence of sin, the restoration in Christ, and the possibility of introducing a new beginning in the face of distorted relations
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