3 pages in

Last week I began reading one of our assigned articles and boooooooooooy I tell you what, I was already getting a burst of adrenaline. My understanding of political deviance and the law, psychology, Christian theology, motivating factors, and Jesus' practices were coming into conflict a mere 3 pages into my first assigned reading.

The article was previewing common elements of retributive and restorative justice systems- one vengeance oriented, the other forgiveness oriented. The author gives broad points to the principles of each system and acknowledges that they are polar opposites. I enjoyed the reading, although parts were very frustrating because I disagreed with the method the discussion was approached with and the author's implicit claims, it was a very good piece to wet our lips with in preparation for what we're about to jump into.

The author explicitly mentions pieces of the Christian doctrine as the driving force behind some of these decisions, etc. And seeing as how I am a follower of Christ, I was excited to see forgiveness being spoken of as a legitimate consideration. However, what I was upset by were the sneaky, subtle changes in the author's operational definition of forgiveness. During sections he was speaking specifically about Christian doctrine, which is when these questions (along with others) came to mind.

I mean these in a very respectful and open-minded manner, I would like multiple view points- the more diversity in response the better. These questions originate out of dealings with institutional and individual responses to collective violence, like apartheid & genocide, and I would like to keep the discussion in that realm. I realize that not everyone holds the same world view I do, that learning is a process, and that I like engaging in discussion... so please reply with your thoughts.

• Is there condemnation for those not in Christ?
• How have you seen condemnation used?
• Is condemnation ever justified?

• Is reconciliation between people possible without reconciliation to God first?
• Why and what are the implications if your selected order is reversed?

• Fairness, in a Kingdom view, = grace. How would this perspective be implemented into the world's judicial systems considering their "fair" is getting what you deserve.
• (a much more fun question would ask you to take this gospel-centered perspective to a personal, every situation, level.)

• How do accountability and repentance operate when a non-believer is the person extending forgiveness? Can it be genuine since they haven't truly received it therefore can't give it? Then again, people can only be held accountable for what they know.
• Can a non-believer truly forgive? Why?

• For what reasons would it be unwise to be transparent, acknowledge wrong, and ask for forgiveness? Why?

• In what ways can I/YOU partner with Heaven?

• Considering each person has innate worth, value, and belonging, how can I support long-lasting, healthy, and beneficial interdependence in my community?

• What would it cost to be process-oriented?

Please share your opinion with me, I'd truly enjoy to hear what you think and why!

My heart has sounded its horn and rounded up the troops to use my mind as a tool for the righteousness and justice of Christ. Be it individual or collective.

There is no going back.

the beginning is only days away (although in many ways it has already started). It seems as though the days are speeding up. I leave for the East Coast on Sunday afternoon and I depart for South Africa on Thursday morning!

more to come :]

Hello there :]

Hello there,

In exactly one month I will be landing in Cape Town, South Africa to begin what I'm certain will be a transformative experience! I have created this blog to be a space where you can get updates on how and what I'm doing in relation to my study abroad in South Africa (aka. "Intensive"). I wanted to do this because we are used to an "instant access" culture where we expect immediate replies to our texts, calls, emails, etc, but during this summer I will not have that capability. I am not taking my laptop or phone to Africa and will only have internet access every 7+ days, so this will be the best way to stay informed and keep in touch during the next few months.

I only have 2 months in South Africa and I want heed the advice my 10th grade history teacher gave me when he said, "Be where you are". Thus, I want to be WHOLLY invested in where I am and part of doing so is (considering you by) laying the expectation that I will be unavailable from June- early August. However, I will be posting updates, reflections, photos, stories, etc etc etc every 7-ish days, so return here weekly and stay involved with my experiences on the Intensive through commenting on my posts. I won't be able to reply to individual emails/comments/etc, but I WILL read them and truly value your feedback= please comment because I would love to hear from you :]

Throughout this entire experience I want to be as honest as possible, so I will be posting reflections, controversial writings, prayer requests, personal "processings", and various other tid-bits... so ... if you're ready for a wild ride.... I invite you to join me over the next 3-4 months as a prepare for, engage in, and debrief about the Intensive!

Grace and peace,

Hannah :]

Description

I was made for this trip.

This was, once again, confirmed after I read the "Course Description" this Sunday. I would like to share it with you because I think this information will be crucial as you begin to read my writings and reflections of the Intensive over the next few months!

DESCRIPTION

"Religion often serves as a precise tool to foment violence. It can function as a rallying point to both justify and mandate the hostile engagement of others in the pursuit of sacred ends. And yet, in contrast, religion often serves as a moral guide for principled peace building efforts in the face of grave danger. Courage and selflessness are called forth in faithfulness to the sacred texts.

The ambiguous, and at times confounding, role of religion in local and global conflict will be the focus of this course. By analyzing the South African historical narrative, students will gain an introductory understanding of how religion can be an actor in both the creation of violent conflict and in the pursuit of peace.

In 1990, South Africa's future perched on a fragile negotiated settlement between the out-going Apartheid regime and in-coming ANC leadership. Religious actors, indigenous spirituality, and Christian theology helped shape a vision and pave the way for a different future. In exchange for a peaceful transition, the National Party (Apartheid) government demanded amnesty. Liberation fighters wanted nothing less than a full retributive repsonse to the decades of crimes against humanity. Moral and spiritual leaders (including Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu) sought a compromise be developing a model of justice rooted in ubuntu (an African understanding of humanity) and restorative justice. Born out of compromise, while pursuing restorative justice under the full scrutiny of truth.

In this course, we will compare the fundamental philosophy of western or retributive notion of justice with an indigenous or restorative approach. We will explore the needs of key stakeholders including victims, perpetrators, civil society and the justice system with specific focus on trauma and the need for healing in a post-conflict society. Finally, students will explore the notion of ubuntu in order to grasp an African idea of what it means to have a moral agency, to be human."

What I will be experiencing and learning in South Africa is unavailable to me in the United States (for many reasons, but also) because we are so entrenched in our own cruel, cold, and retributive system of "justice". Thus, exposure to different perspectives, systems, and cultures will be refreshing and engaging; but, more importantly, I am most passionate and excited about embracing the delicateness of life through the pursuit of reconciliation, healing, justice, and restoration!

Seeking and bringing the Kingdom in humility and compassion.

Love. Truth and grace. Reconciliation and restoration.

Stay tuned, or read the first post, for much more to come