Kurs

Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the New Testament

Many psychologists and sociologists would say that both reconciliation and forgiveness are absolutely necessary for meaningful long-term interaction in any group and any culture. In the Ancient world, however, forgiveness was often considered vicious rather than virtuous among Greeks and Romans. The goal of this course is to understand how Jesus and his earliest followers understood forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation. How did they consider their relation to God in these terms? How did they practice forgiveness in the group and toward others? How can we understand forgiveness in the New Testament in the light of modern research on forgiveness and in the light of Ancient views on forgiveness? What are the theological and ethical implications of the use of forgiveness and reconciliation in the New Testament?

Efter kursen förväntas studenten:

• compare the New Testament concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation to its equivalents in the Ancient Mediterranean world
• analyze the theology of forgiveness and reconciliation in New Testament texts
• discuss the group dynamic and ethical implications of the New Testament’s use of forgiveness and reconciliation