An Ethic for Enemies

Our century has witnessed violence on an unprecedented scale, in wars that have torn deep into the fabric of national and international life. And as we can see in the recent strife in Bosnia, genocide in Rwanda, and the ongoing struggle to control nuclear weaponry, ancient enmities continue to threaten the lives of masses of human beings. As never before, the question is urgent and practical: How can nations--or ethnic groups, or races--after long, bitter struggles,learn to live side by side in peace? In An Ethic for Enemies, Donald W. Shriver, Jr., President Emeritus of Union Theological Seminary, argues that the solution lies in our capacity toforgive. Taking forgiveness out of its traditional exclusive association with personal religion and morality, Shriver urges us to recognize its importance in the secular political arena. The heart of the book examines three powerful and moving cases from recent American history--our postwar dealings with Germany, with Japan, and our continuing domestic problem with race relations--cases in which acts of forgiveness have had important political consequences. Shriver traces how postwar Germany,in its struggle to break with its political past, progressed from denial of a Nazi past, to a formal acknowledgement of the crimes of Nazi Germany, to providing material compensation for survivors ofthe Holocaust. He also examines the efforts of Japan and the United States, over time and across boundaries of race and culture, to forgive the wrongs committed by both peoples during the Pacific War. And finally he offers a fascinating discussion of the role of forgiveness in the American civil rights movement. He shows, for instance, that even Malcolm X recognized the need to move from contempt for the integrationist ideal to a more conciliatory, repentant stance toward Civil Rights leaders.Malcolm came to see that only through forgiveness could the separate voices of the African-American movement work together to achieve their goals. If mutual forgiveness was a radicalthought in 1964, Shriver reminds us that it has yet to be realized in 1994. "We are a long way from ceasing to hold the sins of the ancestors against their living children," he writes. Yet in this poignant volume, we discover how, by forgiving, enemies can progress and have progressed toward peace. A timely antidote to today's political conflicts, An Ethic for Enemies challenges to us to confront the hatreds that cripple society and threaten to destroy the global village.

“"This sprawling book, which reaches back to Thucydides, the Hebrew andChristian scriptures, the Reformation and the Enlightenment before tacklingmodern times, amply illustrates the consequences of endless cycles of violenceand revenge, and the human reluctance to ask and offer forgiveness."--TheWashington Post Book World”

"Shriver offer profound insight into the nature of forgiveness, often contributing such time-worn platitudes as forgive and forget. His discussions of German-American and Japanese-American relationships and the race relations in America are both provocative and instructive for those seeking to understand the implications of the Christian faith."--Jennifer L. Rike, University of Detroit Mercy"A powerful and moving book, highly recommended for anyone willing to apply ethical reasoning to issues as urgent as this morning's headlines."--Choice"By looking carefully at how post-war America has dealt with Germany, Japan, and racial problems within our own borders, Shriver examines how forgiveness can have profound political consequences."--America"This sprawling book, which reaches back to Thucydides, the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, the Reformation and the Enlightenment before tackling modern times, amply illustrates the consequences of endless cycles of violence and revenge, and the human reluctance to ask and offer forgiveness."--The Washington Post Book World"Sometimes a book appears at precisely the right time. Shriver's An Ethic for Enemies should be required reading for political leaders, educators, clergy, the media, and so-called ordinary citizens....Shriver brilliantly describes why and how human conflicts can be successfully resolved, and how people of differing races, religions, and backgrounds can live together in mutual respect and understanding."--A. James Rudin, National Interreligious AffairsDirector of the American Jewish Committee writing in Religion News Service"This book grapples successfully with a difficult and illusive concept--forgiveness in human history and especially in politics. We learn here that forgiveness is not a quaint notion but a vital process of human interchange. Without it, we fail to understand our current relations with Germany, Japan, and Russia on the international scene or race relations domestically. America has a lot to learn about forgiveness, and this brilliant book gives everyone apowerful head start."--Everette E. Dennis, author of Of Media and People and Executive Director of The Freedom Forum Media Studies Center, Columbia University"It is not always possible or just simply to 'forgive and forget,' but it is a sign of both grace and wisdom to remember, to seek justice and still to seek reconciliation. In this book, one of the leading ecumenical spirits of our day recalls the violent clashes that have besieged our age, places them in the context of timeless insight, and calls us to forgiveness on the brink of a new century. A careful, artful and timely study."--Max L. Stackhouse, author ofPublic Theology and Political Economy, and Stephen Colwell Professor of Christian Ethics, Princeton Theological Seminary"A wise and timely work in political and religious ethics! In a world where decades and centuries do not so much succeed one another as live dangerously side by side, the politics of forgiveness has an indispensible place in public life. Shriver has rescued forgiveness from religious captivity and confinement to face-to-face relationships. A world as prone as ours is top violence, fueled by festering memories of injustice, has much to gain from working throughthe wisdom of this book."--Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics, Union Theological Seminary"Forgiveness, for individuals or for groups, is a painfully difficult virtue to practice, but the event of forgiveness can be powerfully transformative. By making forgiveness come historically alive, Donald Shriver, in his moving book, shows us what political forgiveness can do. Nothing is more important that forgiveness in our conflict-torn world and Shriver, without hiding the difficulties, gives us practical advice for it's realization. "--Robert N. Bellah,Professor of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley and co-author of Habits of the Heart and The Good Society"Forgiveness and repentence are not simple. They permeate and redefine structures of power in a thousand subtle ways that make new peace and jsutice possible. Often they are expressed in terms of prudent self-interest, for survival or in hope of new alliances for mutual benefit. Shriver traces them among the ancient Greeks, in the Bible, in modern race relations and in the aftermath of World Wwar II. He leaves us with a complex, hopeful picture of interactionof divine grace with human collective identities, reedeming rather than forgetting the troubled histories of human conflict."--Charles C. West, author of Outside the Camp and The Power to Be Human"Shriver offer profound insight into the nature of forgiveness, often contributing such time-worn platitudes as forgive and forget. His discussions of German-American and Japanese-American relationships and the race relations in America are both provocative and instructive for those seeking to understand the implications of the Christian faith."--Jennifer L. Rike, University of Detroit Mercy"A powerful and moving book, highly recommended for anyone willing to apply ethical reasoning to issues as urgent as this morning's headlines."--Choice"In this fine book, Donald Shriver contributes an important chapter to the best modern thinking about our prospects for mutual survival and redemption."--Tikkun"By looking carefully at how post-war America has dealt with Germany, Japan, and racial problems within our own borders, Shriver examines how forgiveness can have profound political consequences."--America"This sprawling book, which reaches back to Thucydides, the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, the Reformation and the Enlightenment before tackling modern times, amply illustrates the consequences of endless cycles of violence and revenge, and the human reluctance to ask and offer forgiveness."--The Washington Post Book World"Shriver's book offers a well-argued vision of hope."--Kirkus Reviews"Sometimes a book appears at precisely the right time. Shriver's An Ethic for Enemies should be required reading for political leaders, educators, clergy, the media, and so-called ordinary citizens....Shriver brilliantly describes why and how human conflicts can be successfully resolved, and how people of differing races, religions, and backgrounds can live together in mutual respect and understanding."--A. James Rudin, National Interreligious AffairsDirector of the American Jewish Committee writing in Religion News Service"This book grapples successfully with a difficult and illusive concept--forgiveness in human history and especially in politics. We learn here that forgiveness is not a quaint notion but a vital process of human interchange. Without it, we fail to understand our current relations with Germany, Japan, and Russia on the international scene or race relations domestically. America has a lot to learn about forgiveness, and this brilliant book gives everyone apowerful head start."--Everette E. Dennis, author of Of Media and People and Executive Director of The Freedom Forum Media Studies Center, Columbia University"It is not always possible or just simply to 'forgive and forget,' but it is a sign of both grace and wisdom to remember, to seek justice and still to seek reconciliation. In this book, one of the leading ecumenical spirits of our day recalls the violent clashes that have besieged our age, places them in the context of timeless insight, and calls us to forgiveness on the brink of a new century. A careful, artful and timely study."--Max L. Stackhouse, author ofPublic Theology and Political Economy, and Stephen Colwell Professor of Christian Ethics, Princeton Theological Seminary"A wise and timely work on political and religious ethics. In a world where decades and centuries do not so much succeed one another as live dangerously side by side, the politics of forgiveness has an indispensable place in public life. Shriver has rescued forgiveness from religious captivity and confinement to face-to-face relationships. A world as prone as ours is to violence, fueled by festering memories of injustice, has much to gain from working throughthe wisdom of this book."--Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics, Union Theological Seminary"Forgiveness, for individuals or for groups, is a painfully difficult virtue to practice, but the event of forgiveness can be powerfully transformative. By making forgiveness come historically alive, Donald Shriver, in his moving book, shows us what political forgiveness can do. Nothing is more important that forgiveness in our conflict-torn world and Shriver, without hiding the difficulties, gives us practical advice for its realization. "--Robert N. Bellah,Professor of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley and co-author of Habits of the Heart and The Good Society"Forgiveness and repentence are not simple. They permeate and redefine structures of power in a thousand subtle ways that make new peace and justice possible. Often they are expressed in terms of prudent self-interest, for survival or in hope of new alliances for mutual benefit. Shriver traces them among the ancient Greeks, in the Bible, in modern race relations and in the aftermath of World War II. He leaves us with a complex, hopeful picture of interaction ofdivine grace with human collective identities, redeeming rather than forgetting the troubled histories of human conflict."--Charles C. West, author of Outside the Camp and The Power to Be Human"During the year after my graduation from seminary in the 'forties, I first read Reinhold Niebuhr's The Nature and Destiny of Man. Since then, no book has influenced me as much as An Ethic for Enemies."--William J. Wiseman, S.T.D. Pastor Emeritus, First Presbyterian Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma."Shriver's powerful and courageious book tackles the most timely issue of our moment; How do we confront our rage and transcend our sense of revenge in and honest and moral manner? Is an ethic of forgiveness possible in this icy age of cynicism?"--Cornel West, Harvard University"Don Shriver challenges us to be more civilized, and does so in a meaningful way."--Senator Paul Simon"Donald Shriver provides fresh -- and refreshing -- insights on ways to think about and cope with the historical resentments, ambitions, and territorial and ethnic disputes that daily confront American diplomats around the world. His book has already had a direct and positive impact on the formulation of U.S. foreign policy toward Central and Eastern Europe."--Daniel Hamilton, Associate Director, Policy Planning Staff, Office of the U.S. Secretary of State"A book that both political realists and idealists can agree with. Engaging, provocative, and especially relevant for the post-Cold War era."--Steven David"Few books join so well a thoroughly Christian perspective with a highly realistic and sober analysis of political history as does Shriver's study of forgiveness. One of the freshest works in political ethics in the latter part of the twentieth century, this book breaks open some standard assumptions about the incompatibility of personal ethics and social ethics, reminding us that forgiveness can be as potent a mode of reconciliation and healing on thepolitical plane as on the personal. The content of this book will assist the work of those in the political realm as much as it will the reflection of those in the academic world. I can imagine no greaterresource for the community of faith as it works to restore relationships among people who have been longtime enemies."--Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary"Soul-searching and clear-sighted, An Ethic for Enemies addresses itself to humanity's deepest frustration and aspiration, it's deadly international conflicts, and the possibility of healing human community by reconciliation. As a Japanese who lived through the time of war in Tokyo, I am particularly moved by the chapter "Emnity and Empathy, Japan and the United States." This chapter should be of interest to anyone who wants to understand the souldof Japan today."--Kosuke Koyama, professor emeritus, Union Theological Seminary"It is a beautifully written book as well as a profound one."--Timothy Light, Provost and Professor of Religion, Western Michigan University"I continue to be awed by the extent and quality of the work [Donald Shriver] continues to produce on reconciliation."--Charles Villa-Vicencio, Director, Truth & Reconciliation Commission, Cape Town"An Ethic for Enemies is a fine, thoughtful, and eminently cogent effort that merits the widest circulation." --Nicholas Tavuchis, Department of Sociology, The University of Manitoba"It is a helpful, truly brilliant analysis of the issue"--Rabbi David Saperstein, Director, Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism"...sensitive interpretation of the constructive role of forgiveness in politics composed by Shriver."--Journal of Ecumenical Studies"The wide use of Shriver's book gives it a relevance which makes it required reading for anyone interested in peacemaking."--The Cresset"We owe a debt of gratitude to Shriver for having led us on an exploration of forgiveness as a political act whose goal is social reconstruction....[His] reflections, with a rich texture, a supple intellect wedded to deep feeling, a welcome civility and modesty of claims, are a valuable resource-and clearly a resource for the conflicts within the church as well as in society."--Church & Society

Donald W. Shriver, Jr., is President Emeritus and Professor of Applied Christianity at Union Theological Seminary, and past president of the Society for Christian Ethics.

Our century has witnessed violence on an unprecedented scale, in wars that have torn deep into the fabric of national and international life. And as we can see in the recent strife in Bosnia, genocide in Rwanda, and the ongoing struggle to control nuclear weaponry, ancient enmities continue to threaten the lives of masses of human beings. As never before, the question is urgent and practical: How can nations--or ethnic groups, or races--after long, bitter struggles, learn to live side by side in peace? In An Ethic for Enemies, Donald W. Shriver, Jr., President Emeritus of Union Theological Seminary, argues that the solution lies in our capacity to forgive. Taking forgiveness out of its traditional exclusive association with personal religion and morality, Shriver urges us to recognize its importance in the secular political arena. The heart of the book examines three powerful and moving cases from recent American history--our postwar dealings with Germany, with Japan, and our continuing domestic problem with race relations--cases in which acts of forgiveness have had important political consequences. Shriver traces how postwar Germany, in its struggle to break with its political past, progressed from denial of a Nazi past, to a formal acknowledgement of the crimes of Nazi Germany, to providing material compensation for survivors of the Holocaust. He also examines the efforts of Japan and the United States, over time and across boundaries of race and culture, to forgive the wrongs committed by both peoples during the Pacific War. And finally he offers a fascinating discussion of the role of forgiveness in the American civil rights movement. He shows, for instance, that even Malcolm X recognized the need to move from contempt for the integrationist ideal to a more conciliatory, repentant stance toward Civil Rights leaders. Malcolm came to see that only through forgiveness could the separate voices of the African-American movement work together to achieve their goals. If mutual forgiveness was a radical thought in 1964, Shriver reminds us that it has yet to be realized in 1994. "We are a long way from ceasing to hold the sins of the ancestors against their living children," he writes. Yet in this poignant volume, we discover how, by forgiving, enemies can progress and have progressed toward peace. A timely antidote to today's political conflicts, An Ethic for Enemies challenges to us to confront the hatreds that cripple society and threaten to destroy the global village.

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