Apology and Confession: Comparing Sino-Japanese and German-Jewish Intellectual Resources for Reconciliation

C.K. Martin Chung*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    One of the more common Chinese terms used for "reconciliation" is hejie. "He" can signify peace and harmony. "Jie", on the other hand, conjures up images of untying (jiekai) and understanding (lijie). To untie "knots in the heart" (xinjie) is, therefore, one way of conceptualizing reconciliation in Chinese culture. This chapter focuses on the untying of another knot, the knot of shazai, in light of comparative research. It examines traditional narratives of apology (or confession) as intellectual resources for political reconciliation, while at the same time calling attention to the peculiar obstacles they sometimes present. Reflecting on the term "political reconciliation", one can come to two opposing directions: political reconciliation as "reconciling" with the prevalent power-political status, or as the introjection of "reconciliation" in its moral and theological sense into politics. The chapter highlights the Jewish idea of "confession" as an alternative response to past wrongdoing.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationReconciling with the Past
    Subtitle of host publicationResources and Obstacles in a Global Perspective
    EditorsAnnika Frieberg, C.K. Martin Chung
    Place of PublicationLondon
    PublisherRoutledge
    Chapter4
    Pages54-68
    Number of pages15
    Edition1st
    ISBN (Electronic)9781315624631
    ISBN (Print)9781138651722, 9781138367395
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 17 Feb 2017

    Publication series

    NameRoutledge Advances in International Relations and Global Politics
    PublisherRoutledge
    Volume132

    Scopus Subject Areas

    • Social Sciences(all)

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