Muller-Fahrenholz, Geiko2011-01-112011-01-112000Muller-Fahrenholz, G 2000, 'Forgiving is a way of healing : Theological approximations', HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, vol. 56, no. 4, pp. 1009-1023.0259-9422 (print)http://hdl.handle.net/2263/15664Spine cut of Journal binding and pages scanned on flatbed EPSON Expression 10000 XL; 400dpi; text/lineart - black and white - stored to Tiff Derivation: Abbyy Fine Reader v.9 work with PNG-format (black and white); Photoshop CS3; Adobe Acrobat v.9 Web display format PDFBy interpreting a contemporary forgiveness story this article seeks to provide a fresh understanding of the classical penitential theology in "non-religious" terms (D Bonhoeffer). The "exegesis" of the story shows that forgiveness is a process of truthful encounter with the burdens of the past and of mutual liberation both for the perpetrator and for the victim in as much as it enables both sides to move beyond the bondage of past guilt and traumatization. Restitution and compensation are seen as an indispensable element in such a process, with the emphasis being not so much on "repairing" the past than on "preparing" a more just and harmonious way forward.enFaculty of Theology, University of PretoriaTheological approximationsForgiveness -- Religious aspects -- ChristianityHealing -- Religious aspects -- ChristianityArticle