Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Violence in Africa: Biblical, Pastoral and Ethical Perspectives.

Demaine Solomons

doi:10.17570/stj.2020.v6n4.br1

Abstract

There is no shortage of scholarly contributions grappling with the key concepts of “reconciliation” and “forgiveness” as it pertains to the African and more poignantly the South African context. These notions have a longstanding, yet, contested history and evokes an array of responses ranging from cheering enthusiasm to utter despondency. This contestation has to be understood in relation to the various forms of historical violence inflicted on the peoples of Africa as well as ongoing debates concerning the need to come to terms with the systemic nature of such violence. For the most part, reconciliation and forgiveness and its seemingly contradictory relationship with violence elicit further debates. The question thus remains: at the intersection of ethics and theology, how does one engage such complexity in a way that is distinct from what we have seen and heard before?

Highlights

The point is that a multifaceted understanding of the dignity of human persons has a direct bearing on ethical approaches with the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation. This theme is further developed and outlined by the volume’s contributors who provide vivid historical examples of how reconciliation, forgiveness and the connection to various manifestations of violence is enacted in various places on the African continent. This ranges from examples coming from South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, as well as Burundi
There are three disciplinary or thematic areas that the contributors explore. They draw on their expertise in Biblical Studies, Practical Theology and Systematic Theology
The three chapters approach the matter from the perspective of Systematic Theology

Summary

Introduction

This theme is further developed and outlined by the volume’s contributors who provide vivid historical examples of how reconciliation, forgiveness and the connection to various manifestations of violence is enacted in various places on the African continent. Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Violence in Africa: Biblical, Pastoral and Ethical Perspectives. Reconciliation and forgiveness and its seemingly contradictory relationship with violence elicit further debates.

Results

Conclusion