Reconciliation without violence

2009

Submitted version of an article published in the journal: Studia Theologica - Nordic Journal of Theology, Taylor & Francis Published version available at Informaworld: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00393380903334598 Is it possible to solve conflicts without using violence, or is the use of violent retribution necessary to solve problems and restore peace after serious crimes and offences? This is a classical question in the philosophy of law and in all the disciplines dealing with conflict resolution. It is also an important question in theology. The material for this article comes from interviews with sons who have grown up with violent fathers, and from philosophical and theological texts dea…