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Similarities Between Volf And Tutu

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Achieving reconciliation after an unfavorable event can be difficult and cause those involved great deals of grief. Both Volf and Tutu address forgiveness, justice and forgiveness. Volf tells the story of his late brother Daniel and the events of his passing. He then speaks on how his family grieved and forgave those involved in the horrific situation. Tutu provides an explanation to reconciliation on a much larger scale as he describes the tragedy of mass homicide in Rowanda. He then discusses the aftermath of this tragedy. While these events are obviously different in scale, both Tutu and Volf had similar opinions on the matter and how to reconcile. Both turned to Christianity and used references in relation to God in what to do in times …show more content…

Volf’s parents were undoubtedly stricken with grief and bitterness towards both the aunt and solider. Volf, whom was also young at the time, was completely oblivious to the fact that his aunt was at all at fault and still adored her throughout childhood. When the solider went to trial, Volf’s father was there not, to convict him but to let him know that he was forgiven. The Volf family felt that no other families should be grief stricken, and that no justice was nessecary. Volf speaks about his father in this matter, “He was concerned for the soldier and wanted to talk to him once more of God's love, which is greater than our accusing hearts, and of my parents' forgiveness.” Volf’s father did not want the solider to feel judged, rather he wanted him to know that God’s love was greater than the wrong …show more content…

Both Tutu and Volf turn to God and religion as an explanation to why forgiveness is nessecary. Tutu states: "The Word of God tells us to forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us" He then moves on to speak of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the promise of forgiveness from God. Volf also speaks of Jesus on the cross but in a slightly different respect. Volf states: “Jesus says, "And when I am lifted up from the earth I shall draw everyone to myself" as he hangs from His cross with outflung arms, thrown out to clasp all, everyone and everything, in a cosmic embrace, so that all, everyone, everything, belongs.” Tutu speaks more of this monumental event in relation to God’s intent for everyone to live together in peace. Volf’s now feels that “the pain of that terrible loss still lingers on, but bitterness and resentment against those who were responsible are gone.” Concerning the bitterness in Rowanda, the people have chosen peace and forgiveness to avoid further bloodshed. Both Tutu and Volf agree on one key thing: forgiveness is nessecary to move

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