Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Abstract

Forgiveness is fundamental to the concepts of reconciliation and restorative justice. However, forgiveness is not simple, and it is impossible to force victims to forgive.  This review article discusses the concept of forgiveness in reconciliation studies, and considers its meaning, importance, and the route to achieve forgiveness. Books and articles in both Thai and English form the basis for this review article. The author argues that although forgiveness is a political necessity, it cannot be enacted simply and sloppily.  On the contrary, political society must recognize the deeper meaning of forgiveness, the route to achieve it, and the task of forgiveness itself.  The author raises many examples of forgiveness within the context of reconciliation throughout this review article.