Running head: ARTICLE REVIEW 1 1
ARTICLE REVIEW 1
Allison Anderson-Dupuis
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Article Summary
Overview of the Problem Area
While forgiveness and reconciliation can be complex ideas in regards to application,
Harakas (2001) adds another dimension to the theories by claiming that there exists a dynamic
paradox that must exist in order to achieve true success in forgiveness. While many religions
have disagreed over time as to the specific terms of forgiveness, Harakas (2001) narrows down
the scope of requirements, and asserts that people are in a constant state of balance to prevent the
dynamic paradox from shifting, thus spoiling the entire goal.
Theories and Conclusions Reached by the Author
While many different religions have bickered about forgiveness and reconciliation,
Harakas (2001) focuses on the Orthodox Church’s perspective, and attempts to clearly examine
the balance between what he describes as the attitude of God’s two poles. One pole is the pole of
philanthropy and the other pole is that of God’s rules and expectations. If all is well, these two
poles should remain in dynamic tension, holding each other up (Harakas, 2001, p. 59). God’s
philanthropy includes the full impartment of forgiveness and the giving of redemption. This is
the biblical definition of forgiveness. While this is crucial, Harakas (2001) asserts that even if
redemption is ultimately given, lessons must be learned along the way. These lessons come from
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God’s rules and expectations, and while God may grant forgiveness, people as individuals must
understand the natural order of things in order to avoid repeating mistakes and wrong-doing.
Article Analysis
Strengths and Weaknesses
While Harakas (2001) does a pretty good job of explaining the concept of the dynamic
paradox of forgiveness, the article is very narrow. In the interest of having a full biblical
understanding of what people should expect from God, it is hard for those who do not identify
themselves as followers of the traditional Orthodox Church to understand whether or not this
paradox is applicable to them. To elaborate, if a Protestant is reading this article, he or she might
be left wondering if the dynamic tension between God’s grace and good order and discipline
apply, as the foundation of Protestantism is one of relying on God’s grace in a time of rebellion.
Overall, the in-depth analysis of the Orthodox Church’s perspective was very insightful,
broadening the scope to apply to a wider range of Christians could be useful.
Contribution to Conflict Management
Forgiveness is an extremely important concept in regards to conflict management.
Understanding how forgiveness can be reached is an aide to resolving conflict, and thus it is very
reasonable to assert that the biblical perspective of forgiveness guides those who cannot pinpoint
a logical reason to forgive to accept and forgive anyway. The concept of the dynamic paradox
presented by Harakas (2001) can help readers understand that forgiveness is beyond a matter of
the brain.
