Abstract
This chapter focuses on how to forgive in the presence of denial, revisionism, and injustice. In particular, it addresses coping with the denial of the Ottoman-Turkish Genocide of the Armenians. Additionally, two cases are presented to illustrate the challenge of forgiveness and how, when governmental denial exists, the practice of forgiveness is not only a challenge, but an unending process. A seven-step Biopsychosocial and Eco Spiritual Model is presented as the approach used for transforming anger, hatred, and resentment into forgiveness, in both individual and group settings (Kalayjian, 2002). Since 1989, this model has been applied worldwide in more than 20 post-disaster humanitarian outreach projects, as part of the Mental Health Outreach Programs (MHOP) organized by this author. It is distilled here into its most essential form. However, it can be adapted for application in a wide range of situations.
History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but, if faced with courage, it need not be lived again.
Maya Angelou
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Kalayjian, A. (2009). Forgiveness in Spite of Denial, Revisionism, and Injustice. In: Forgiveness and Reconciliation. Peace Psychology Book Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0181-1_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0181-1_15
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