Forgiveness as an Element of Conflict Resolution in Religious Cultures: Walking the tightrope of reconciliation and justice

Forgiveness as a way of healing human relationships and solving human conflicts isa an age-old practice that appears in numerous religious traditions. There are problems, however, with defining what exactly this activity is or has been in these traditions, what its significance is within these meaning systems, and finally, what is usefulness, if any, these traditions play i contemporary conflict analysis of conflict and peacemaking. In particular, forgiveness as a means of peacemaking, depending on how it is realized, brings into sharp relief the perennial challenge of balancing peace and justice in the pursuit of conflict resolution.

Since the end of the Cold War several political agreements have been signed in attempts to resolve longstanding conflicts in such volatile regions as Northern Ireland, Israel-Palestine, South Africa, and Rwanda. This is the first comprehensive volume that examines reconciliation, justice, and coexistence in the post-settlement context from the levels of both theory and practice. Mohammed Abu-Nimer has brought together scholars and practitioners who discuss questions such as: Do truth commissions work? What are the necessary conditions for reconciliation? Can political agreements bring reconciliation? How can indigenous approaches be utilized in the process of reconciliation? In addition to enhancing the developing field of peacebuilding by engaging new research questions, this book will give lessons and insights to policy makers and anyone interested in post-settlement issues.