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