“Forgiveness as an element of conflict resolution in religious cultures: Walking the tightrope of reconciliation and justice.”

Source: (2001) In Reconciliation, Justice, and Coexistence: Theory & Practice, ed. Mohammed Abu-Nimer, pp. 87-99. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.

While forgiveness is an ancient practice embedded in many religious traditions, it is difficult to define precisely the meaning and significance of forgiveness within those systems. It is also difficult to identify the role of forgiveness, if any, in conflict analysis and peacemaking. Does forgiveness aid in balancing peace and justice in pursuit of conflict resolution, or is forgiveness at odds with the demands of justice? To explore all of this, and focusing on the Abrahamic faith traditions, Gopin discusses characterizations of forgiveness in Judaism and Christianaity, Islam and forgiveness, and the interaction of Arab culture and Islam.