Abstract

VILLA, Juan David. "WERE IT NOT FOR GOD WE WOULD BE NOW DEAD". VICTIMS, RECONCILIATIÓN AND RELIGION. Theol. Xave. [online]. 2007, vol.57, n.164, pp.565-589. ISSN 0120-3649.

This paper has as reflection frame the experience of a significant group of women victims of violence in the area of Eastern Antioquia (Colombia). Starting with their narratives, it deals with two ways of understanding the experience of God in their conditions of victims which at the same time become two ways of understanding forgiveness, reconciliation, thruth, justice and reparation. In one case this leads to a condition of resignation and victimization, in a situation of submission to God; the other one is a way to liberation, building of citizenship, empowerment and transformation of that experience into a process of humanization which becomes a deep experience and vicinity to that God with us, who walks at the side of those who suffer. This prompts a reflection on the pastoral work and on the types of religious experience that is promoted in the Christian communities and on how to help them to a better life.

Keywords : Reconciliation; religion; forgiveness; victims; justice.

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