Justice and Reconciliation

This course in social and political theology explores the tension between the theological concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. How does one, or should one, forgive those who have committed unjust and terrible crimes? To what extent must justice be retributive? This analysis of the difficult work of reconciliation gives particular attention to how the churches in Rwanda, Northern Ireland, and South Africa have wrestled with this issue in their own social and political contexts. Attention is also given to Canada's TRC process with indigenous peoples and the concept of "Restorative Justice." The course will explore the complexity involved in the relationship between violence and forgiveness, particularly as this relates to the concept of Justice in Christian ethics, an understanding of community, and the formation of the moral subject. Some attention will be given to the emotional and spiritual tensions that individuals face when confronted with the complexities involved in living through periods of conflict and reconciliation.