Michael Griffin
Cascade Books, Eugene, Ore.
180 pages
Does repentance make any difference once one leaves the sanctuary and forgets the declaration of pardon? Is there a practice involved with penance that lives on in the world of war, justice, crime and punishment? The author says “yes” and argues that the ancient Catholic penitential theology has a role to play in the matters of social repair. The notion is intriguing and certainly much needed. Griffin is concerned about those places in need of social repair: courts, prisons, war zones and returning soldiers, fractured communities. If penance involves a set of practices that follows confession and pardon, it may be possible that a similar set of practices can be developed that bring about the healing that is the goal of all penance. The author is quite precise in his definition of penance, leaving no room for sentimental gestures that undermine actual practice. Penance involves lament, taking personal responsibility and seeking to repair the wounds caused by sin. Each of these practices is essential and together they form a structure that guides movement toward social repair. The author draws upon an impressive array of theological and ethical resources — from ancient Irish monks, Thomas Aquinas and contemporary theologians — to makes his argument clear and compelling. There is not doubt that social repair is urgently needed in our time. This is a welcome contribution to the ways to get there.
