This is a contextual course offered in order to help students to consider the nature of the divine gift of reconciliation as Christian ministry to which it give rise. Being biblically based and linked to an incessant call in Scripture to practice forgiveness and reconciliation, it reflects on the real dynamic of divine reconciliation itself and shows human captivity to the false lordships of Sin and Death.
While maintaining the motive and rationale for reconciliation which lie solely and absolutely in God’s own sovereign loving will, this course provides the depth and clarity of the concept of reconciliation as it is studied in context by focusing on the intercultural, practical and missional issues.
This course helps students understand that in the study of theology of reconciliation in context the theme of reconciliation has many meanings and many dimensions. However, in such dimensions and contexts students are informed that reconciliation as a biblical theme within its diversity of circumstances and challenges, still stands as a central theme and reminds the local church that it has important roles to play especially in the modern world where discourse on other related themes like punishment, forgiveness, restoring community, restitution, reparation, truth, justice, healing and a new way of life are today a major concern.
This course teaches that reconciliation in context is holistic, multidimensional, and biblically rooted. It focuses on the selected rich biblical texts on reconciliation especially on narrative about reconciliation, for example, between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 33:1-20), the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), and the images of reconciliation between God and Israel throughout the Old Testament prophets.
The course prepares students to become missional reconciliation experts in their respective communities and especially local churches, while ensuring that the need to help the local church to continue with its mission of planting the seeds of peace by offering a long-term vision of reconciliation in the contextual situation while supporting near-term initiatives for individual, interpersonal, and cross-community reconciliation.
This course is taught in context because context and culture matter very much and faith-based discernment is sorely needed whenever any reconciliation initiative takes place. Students are therefore equipped in both culture and context matters related to reconciliation.
This course takes reconciliation in context and within a broad holistic understanding in pursuit of reconciliation. Students are shown how important, in the practice of reconciliation in context, it is important to seek to help their communities embrace conversion to a culture of forgiveness, peace and reconciliation. This course offers skills to help students contribute to convert culture away from the order of injustice and violence.
This course offers practical reflection on and guidance for engagement with reconciliation. Important as it is, practical examples on reflections and lessons from global Christian believers reconciliation engagements, most of which are highly practical, are discussed and practiced.
In its emphasis on the need for students to recognize God’s presence in reconciliation dialogues with diverse cultures and religions, which leads to spiritual growth and conversion, this course provides students with practical reflections and guidance grounded in the experiences of active fellow believers around the world who are at the forefront of reconciliation initiatives.
