Comments on: How do I understand reconciliation…

By: Ellen Weber

Ellen Weber — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:21:30 +0000

Rebecca,
I really appreciate the framework of the 5 main components here about the reconciliation process. As you mention in the end about love being the most important. I see a connection of how without love that process of the 5 has a hard time coming to fruition. Without the posture of love to hear each other’s stories, then one truly may not hear what another has experienced. I am curious to explore more about how to grow the love we have inside us to be able to sit longer with each other to hear each other’s stories to begin this process. I look forward to hearing more from you!!

By: Rebecca Cataldi, NA-22

Rebecca Cataldi, NA-22 — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 01:13:01 +0000

In reply to Jer Swigart.

Thank you Jer! I did get connected to Marc Gopin through my time at George Mason University–I actually took a 10-day class with him in Syria on Citizen Diplomacy prior to the civil war, where we were blessed to form friendships with amazing Syrian students and breakdown mutual misperceptions about America and Syria. I’d definitely love to talk further with you about how religion, and Christianity in particular, can help reduce political/ideological tensions in America. I think people’s religious experiences and ways of living out their faith vary widely from person-to-person, and I’d like to help build upon the good work American Christians are already doing and figure out how these efforts can be a bridge to engaging those who are either apathetic about their faith or actively disregarding injunctions to love our neighbor–whatever our neighbor’s political beliefs.:)

By: Rebecca Cataldi, NA-22

Rebecca Cataldi, NA-22 — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 01:07:33 +0000

In reply to Amy Kasari, NA-22. Thank you so much Amy!

By: Rebecca Cataldi, NA-22

Rebecca Cataldi, NA-22 — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 01:07:13 +0000

In reply to Andrea Hug, NA-22. Thank you so much Andrea!

By: Jer Swigart

Jer Swigart — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:54:10 +0000

Rebecca. Such a poignant first reflection…one that reveals an important intersection: academic, practical, spiritual. As you point to John Paul Lederach, I’ve experienced him as one who lives with integrity regarding these three components and has been an example and mentor for me and my journey. I would also point to Marc Gopin whom I imagine you may be connected with as another example of this beautiful synergy. Your post, alongside your pressing question, leaves me wondering about the causes and implications of the disintegration of these three components. It has been my experience that for many white U.S. American Christians, there exists an anemic spirituality resulting in apathetic practice. As you’re curious about the role that Christians can/must play in the work of reconciliation, I’d be very eager to explore the notion of vital spirituality and theological renovation with you that may catalyze restorative engagement.

By: Amy Kasari, NA-22

Amy Kasari, NA-22 — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 02:09:48 +0000

Thank you for this post, Rebecca. I appreciate the 5 steps you wrote about – with number 3, pardon, standing out the most to me. This seems to be the counter-cultural step that is so dependent on the grace of God! I love how you close your piece with this acknowledgement, “Reconciliation means opening our hearts not only to the other but to God—inviting God in to heal our hurts and do the supernatural work of healing relationships that we imperfect humans cannot heal on our own.”

By: Andrea Hug, NA-22

Andrea Hug, NA-22 — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 18:09:45 +0000

So much of what you say resonates within me. I especially like the humility of your recognition that it is God who moves our hearts towards reconciliation–that with God it is possible to redeem even what we might name as irredeemable.