GENESIS 50:15-21 AND ITS CHALLENGES TO THE RECONCILIATION PROCESS IN AFRICA

  • Emmanuel O Nwaoru Catholic Institute of West Africa Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Keywords: Genesis, Brother, Reconciliation, Guilt, Bond

Abstract

In the face of seeming irreconcilable conflicts the world over, especially in some African countries, this article sets out to establish through a close reading of Gen 50:15-21 that permanent reconciliation between conflicting parties is achievable, as it was between Joseph and his bothers. It delineates from context a wide range of processes and effective strategies that leads to reconciliation, namely inspirational mediation, good timing for open and face-to-face dialogue, capacity to address contentious issues properly and conclusively, without mitigating the gravity of crime and its natural consequences, the magnanimity of the victim to let go, the courage of the offender to accept guilt, and a good theological motif. On the contrary, it discovers that lack of concrete and visible windfall of reconciliation can hinder achieving full settlement.
Published
2013-06-12
Section
Articles