Abstract
In its quest for a non-medical, pro-health approach to psychotherapy, positive psychology surprisingly focuses on concepts that are biblical and specifically present in the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. In this paper,(1) the teaching of Jesus in the synoptic tradition on forgiveness will be compared to recent positive psychological approaches (e.g. McCullough & Witvliet); attention will be paid to the (2) contexts of forgiveness (interpersonal and/or political); (3) the (philosophical) positive or negative judgement on forgiveness as a positive notion (e.g. the Buddhist concept of karma, [e.g. Arendt, Deridda, Wolterstorff]); (4) the (perceived) positive role of forgiveness in psychotherapy; (5) the ‘techniques’ or method of forgiveness when the latter seems difficult; and (6) the relation between forgiveness and religion or spirituality.
Highlights
One would wonder why the name of God would appear in one of the films which depict the most explicit scenes of violence ever seen in a film
In Arendt’s distinction between labour, work, and action, forgiveness belongs to the third category, indicative of its importance for the well-being of humanity
3.Does one need to be reminded again that the world wars of the 20th century involved so-called Christian countries? one can argue that they were led by their governments. This is exactly the point: if forgiveness would have been regarded as central in those Christianities, the ordinary people of those countries would not have been fooled into those wars
Summary
Reflecting on Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness from a positive psychological perspective. Affiliation: 1Department of Biblical and Ancient Studies, University of South Africa, South Africa. How to cite this article: Scheffler, E., 2015, ‘Reflecting on Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness from a positive psychological perspective’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 70(1), Art. In its quest for a non-medical, pro-health approach to psychotherapy, positive psychology surprisingly focuses on concepts that are biblical and present in the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. In this paper, (1) the teaching of Jesus in the synoptic tradition on forgiveness will be compared to recent positive psychological approaches (e.g. McCullough & Witvliet); attention will be paid to the (2) contexts of forgiveness (interpersonal and/or political); (3) the (philosophical) positive or negative judgement on forgiveness as a positive notion (e.g. the Buddhist concept of karma, [e.g. Arendt, Deridda, Wolterstorff]); (4) the (perceived) positive role of forgiveness in psychotherapy; (5) the ‘techniques’ or method of forgiveness when the latter seems difficult; and (6) the relation between forgiveness and religion or spirituality. ‘If you don’t forgive you break the bridge you yourself must travel over.’ (Anonymous)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
