GENESIS 50:15-21 AND ITS CHALLENGES TO RECONCILIATION PROCESS IN AFRICA

Abstract

countries, this article sets out to establish through a close reading of Gen 50:15-21 that permanent reconciliation between conflicting parties is achievable, as it was between Joseph and his brothers. It delineates from context a wide range of processes and effective strategies that lead to reconciliation, namely inspirational mediation, good timing for open and face-to-face dialogue, capacity to address contentious issues properly and conclusively, without mitigating the gravity of crime and its natural consequences, the magnanimity of the victim to let go, the courage of the offender to accept guilt, and a good theological motif. On the contrary, it discovers that lack of concrete and visible windfall of reconciliation can hinder achieving full settlement.