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 :]