Jasmine Vega
COMS 560
27 February 2018
Article 16 – Brokenness, Forgiveness, Healing, and Peace in Ireland
In her article, Geraldine Smyth according to Helmick & Petersen (2001), describes the
overarching problems with achieving forgiveness and overcoming hate in a world where religion
can trick people into thinking there is a reason to fight. Although this troublesome, Smyth (2001)
uses good examples through historical situations in Northern Ireland to demonstrate the Christian
approach, in hopes that it will provide clarity to centuries of hostility and hatred among religious
people. This hostility is only a vessel for separating Christians from God rather than bringing
them closer to Him.
According to Helmick & Petersen (2001), Smyth begins her article with a specific
example of a Christian woman in Northern Ireland who exhibited true forgiveness, which
ultimately brought her closer to peace. In order to find peace in turmoil lands, it is imperative to
understand why tension exists, and how to alleviate it. Forgiveness is the only way to disarm
hatred and avoid further destruction. Christian and their Churches have chosen consistently to
seek to cut cycles of vengeance by calling for practicing non-retaliation and forgiveness
(Helmick & Petersen, 2001).
Smyth considers conditions and processes that can foster reconciliation and peace-
building in situations of longstanding ethnic, political, and religious conflict. Her analysis
includes theological, socio-political, and personal reflections on the trauma of conflict, as well as
the possibilities for ending conflict and rebuilding lives, relationships, and communities. She
writes of the need to become aware of the brokenness, division and separation characterizing the
civic and Christian realities of Ireland; of the pain and the hope in letting go of wounds, grief,
and anger in moving toward forgiveness; of life after violence through rebuilding the fabric of
communities and through living in reconciled relationships with others; and of looking to the
future through the way of Jesus as abundant life and grace.
Smyth describes forgiveness as a benefit that can be given to others as well as a benefit
Christians have received from Jesus Christ. This is an important point to remember because
forgiveness and reconciliation should not be perceived as some kind of daunting task, it should
be perceived as a privilege, a gift, just as Smyth describes it. “Moving on in the journey of
reconciliation will require a capacity to recognize that the logic of the gift invites us to give
because we have abundantly received, to forgive because we have been prodigally forgiven, and
to live by grace in return for grace received” (Helmick & Petersen, 2001). This article is a
reminder that while forgiveness and reconciliation can prove to be difficult at times, it is very
rewarding and beneficial above all. Forgiveness and reconciliation are gifts received by all when
properly applied.
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as
the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” Colossians 3:13 (Open Bible, 2001).
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” Matthew 5:9 (Open Bible,
2001).
References
Open Bible (2001). What does the Bible say about reconciliation and forgiveness? Colossians
3:13. English Standard Version
https://www.openbible.info/topics/reconciliation_and_forgiveness
Open Bible (2001). What does the Bible say about peace? Matthew 5:9. English Standard
Version. https://www.openbible.info/topics/peace
Petersen, R. L., & Helmick, R. G. (2001). Forgiveness and reconciliation: religion, public policy,
and conflict transformation. Radnor: Templeton Foundation Press (Div. of John
Templeton Foundation).
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