Date of Award

Fall 9-5-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Theology

First Advisor

Colby Dickinson

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to develop a theological model of forgiveness rooted in a relational conception of the Trinity. The central argument of this dissertation is that the model of forgiveness practiced in post-genocide Rwanda and the forgiveness modeled by Jesus, and testified to in the New Testament and developed in the Christian tradition, are good, but not sufficient to address the kind of trauma and human disrepair, as well as the devastation of communities, inflicted by genocide. Rather, a theology of forgiveness modeled on a relational conception of the Trinity and its practical implications for a Trinitarian ecclesiology and anthropology of personhood, communion, and otherness can lead to the healing and restoration of peaceful relationships among individuals and communities. Since forgiveness is relational, I argue that a Trinitarian theology of forgiveness is embedded in a dynamic conception of the Triune God, which requires a shift from a substance-ontological thinking to a relational-ontological conception of the Trinity. This dissertation relies on the works of the Cappadocian Fathers and that of Catherine LaCugna and John Zizioulas, in their effort to develop a Trinitarian ontology of personhood and communion. The gift of divine forgiveness is not only God the Father forgiving us in Christ by the Holy Spirit, but it is also humanity receiving the grace to forgive humanity. A Trinitarian theology of forgiveness has a twofold dimension: Its verticality consists in the relationship with God and participation in the Trinitarian life as the source of human forgiveness. Such relationship, in turn, horizontally generates an ethical and spiritual configuration to God by living the commandment of love and by forgiving the enemy. Forgiveness is ultimately God giving us the capacity to forgive others. Therefore, forgiveness is an act of undeserved and unconditional love for the offender, by which the post-genocide Rwanda victim becomes Christ-like, an ambassador of God's forgiveness and reconciliation. Unlike other studies that only present the Trinity as a prototype of community of forgiveness, this thesis will connect the foundation of faith in the Triune God to the act of forgiveness at the personal and community level, which renders forgiveness an act of faith, a form of spirituality and Christian discipleship. The last section emphasizes that the Christian community, especially the Church in Rwanda that is called to exist as the sacrament of Trinitarian communion and forgiveness, that gathers around the word of God and the Eucharist, can contribute to the healing and peaceful coexistence of individuals and communities. In the end, healing occurs when forgiveness becomes a way of connecting our faith in the Trinity with our daily life and a form a spirituality by connecting the lex orandi to the lex credendi through devotional and pastoral practices

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