From Discord to Concord

Abstract

"In this article the author examines vertical and horizontal dimensions of the doctrine of reconciliation. Starting with current self-understanding of Western culture of her need (or better lack of need) to be reconciled with God, he goes on to prove the great relevance of this doctrine. Maintaining the primacy of the vertical dimension, he points out that reconciliation is not only mutual but also dual in the sense that it is a reconciliation between man and God and a reconciliation between man and man. Thus the divine gift of reconciliation becomes the human responsibility to be reconciled both with God and with other people. The article concludes with several practical examples of reconciliation in post-war and post-communist European contexts"