Original Research

An ethics of forgiveness

J.M. Vorster
Verbum et Ecclesia | Vol 30, No 1 | a79 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v30i1.79 | © 2009 J.M. Vorster | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 17 July 2009 | Published: 17 July 2009

About the author(s)

J.M. Vorster, North-west University, Potchefstroom

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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.

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