Week 12 Lecture:

Forgiveness

Forgiveness

The mental and spiritual process of ceasing to feel resentment or anger against another person for a perceived offense, difference, or mistake, allowing for the end of the cycle of offense and the ability to move forward.

Judaism

A religion that emphasizes personal responsibility of the wrongdoer, apology to those harmed, forgiveness from God for wrongs against God, and the practice of sincere repentance.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement in Judaism, where individuals ask forgiveness for the harm they have caused others over the past year and seek forgiveness from God and people.

Christianity

A religion that views forgiveness as a spiritual duty and believes that God is the source of forgiveness, encouraging individuals to ask for forgiveness and forgive others.

Roman Catholicism

A branch of Christianity where forgiveness is mediated by the Church through the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) and the sincere expression of repentance.

Islam

A religion that considers forgiveness a prerequisite for true peace, with Allah (God) as the source of all forgiveness. Forgiveness in Islam involves recognizing the offense, committing not to repeat it, and asking Allah for forgiveness.

Hinduism

A religion that emphasizes penance and performing atonement for wrongdoing, with a connection to karma and the accumulation of good or bad karma based on forgiveness or harm towards others.

Buddhism

A religion that sees forgiveness as a means to prevent harmful emotions from impeding mental and spiritual well-being, leading to release from suffering through meditation and insight into the nature of reality.

Apartheid

A system of racial separation and discrimination in South Africa, with distinct policies and laws to keep different racial groups separate, such as the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages and the Pass Laws.

Social Sin

Sin that resides in a group, community, or people, produced by collective blindness and resulting in evil consequences. It can be seen at different levels, including injustices built into institutions, cultural and religious symbols that reinforce unjust institutions, false consciousness, and collective decisions.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

An official, temporary mechanism established in South Africa to investigate past human rights abuses or violations, acknowledge past wrongs, and recommend reforms. It consists of committees focused on human rights violations, amnesty, and reparations and rehabilitation.