Description
Book SynopsisThis collection of essays by scholars of diverse backgrounds explores the notion of repentance in our culture, focusing on individuals who have been excluded from society as a result of violating its laws. What must these individuals do to gain redemption and be readmitted? Amitai Etzioni argues that the lack of a well-grounded concept of civic repentance has significant negative social consequences for our society. Denying people the opportunity to regain their social standing and membership in their communities is simply unfair, and the absence of such opportunities for restoration through repentance exacts heavy social costs. The essays in this collection address these issues from a variety of perspectives and discuss possible ways of filling this void, including restorative justice, physician rehabilitation programs, and religious reconciliation rituals.
Trade ReviewA very promising idea that deserves investigation. * Future Survey *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface: Civic Repentance Chapter 2 Repentance, Redemption, and Transformation in the Context of Economic and Civil Rights Chapter 3 Communities, Victims, and Offender Reintegration: Restorative Justice and Earned Redemption Chapter 4 Apology and Pardon: Learning from Japan Chapter 5 Repentance, Psychotherapy, and Healing: Through a Jewish Lens Chapter 6 Racial Reconciliation: Can Religion Work where Politics Has Failed? Chapter 7 Repentance in Political Life: Case Studies of American Public Figures Chapter 8 Rx: Redemption Chapter 9 Index Chapter 10 About the Contributors
