Forgiveness in Community Cultural Contexts: Applications in Therapy and Opportunities for Expanded Professional Roles

Fernando L. Garzon, Liberty University
Zongjian Wu
Julie Richards
Lori Burkett
Mark Witherspoon
Heather Reed
Leroy Hall

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Published in Journal of Psychology and Christianity 2002, Vol. 21, No.4, 349-356.

Abstract

After a decade of research, forgiveness is now emerging as a legitimately recognized psychological intervention. Clinical models, in order to' be useful for the broad range of clients seen in therapy, are designed to be essentially nonreligious. However, many clients are religious and many cultural groups have used forgiveness to deal with a myriad of issues, both individual and societal. Descriptions of how diverse groups are currently applying forgiveness in a community cultural context are therefore needed in the clinical literature. This article will describe three such indigenous forgiveness applications. Forgiveness is seen to address racial, gender, and religious conflicts. Implications for clinicians in the therapeutic and broader community contexts are considered.