by Maria Mayo (Author)
Demystifying an unrealistic ideal Maria Mayo questions the contemporary idealization of unconditional forgiveness in three areas of contemporary life: so-called Victim-Offender Mediation involving cases of criminal injury, the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa, and the pastoral care of victims of domestic violence. She shows that an emphasis on unilateral and unconditional forgiveness puts disproportionate pressure on the victims of injustice or violence and misconstrues the very biblical passages--especially in Jesus' teaching and actions--on which advocates of unconditional forgiveness rely.
Author Biography
Maria Mayo earned her doctorate in history and critical theories of religion at Vanderbilt University. Her work focuses on conceptions of forgiveness in the contexts of criminal justice, pastoral care, and conflict transformation. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee.