Case Studies in the Distortion of a Biblical Ideal

by Maria Mayo

• Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Published: 2021

Publisher's Description

Demystifying an unrealistic ideal Maria Mayo questions the contemporary idealization of unconditional forgiveness in three areas of contemporary life: so-called Victim-Offender Mediation involving cases of criminal injury, the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa, and the pastoral care of victims of domestic violence. She shows that an emphasis on unilateral and unconditional forgiveness puts disproportionate pressure on the victims of injustice or violence and misconstrues the very biblical passages--especially in Jesus' teaching and actions--on which advocates of unconditional forgiveness rely.