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DR552N: JUSTICE, RECONCILIATION, AND THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

This explores the tension between the theological concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. How does one, or should one, forgive those who have committed unjust and terrible crimes? To what extent must justice be retributive? This analysis of the difficult work of reconciliation gives particular attention to how the churches in Latin America and South Africa have wrestled with this issue in their own social and political contexts. Some attention will be given to the emotional and spiritual tensions that individuals face when confronted with the complexities involved in living through periods of conflict and reconciliation.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Christopher Brittain

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course in social and political theology explores the tension between the theological concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. How does one, or should one, forgive those who have committed unjust and terrible crimes? To what extent must justice be retributive? This analysis of the difficult work of reconciliation gives particular attention to how the churches have wrestled with this issue in their own social and political contexts. Discussions will examine the complexity involved in the relationship between violence and forgiveness, particularly as this relates to the concept of Justice ethics, an understanding of "community", and the formation of the moral subject. Some attention will be given to the emotional and spiritual tensions that individuals face when confronted with the complexities involved in living through periods of conflict and reconciliation. Students will explore these issues in relation to a specific contemporary situation, and discuss how Christian theology might respond.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

One 5000 word essay (70%); one seminar presentation (10%); one book review (20%).

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

None.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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