By now I’m sure that you have read the news. The state of Virginia officially apologized for their role in legalizing and supporting slavery, and they also apologized for their mistreatment of Native Americans. Though the vote was unanimous, it was not without some contention, as one particular lawmaker stated, “Just get over it!”
Another related item in the news was the proposal out of the US House of Representatives that urged Japan to officially apologize for their role in the Korean “Comfort Women” tragedy of WW II. “Comfort Women” were the 100s of thousands of Korean women who were raped by Japanese soldiers.
What is a biblical view of repentance and reconciliation? Do descendents of people of one generation have a biblical responsibility for how their ancestors treated other people?
Corporate Generational Identity
In our individualistic Western society we are quick to shout, “No!” However, most cultures for most of human history, including Jewish culture in the Old Testament, had a much more collective, corporate view of personhood, personality, and responsibility.
While it is true that salvation is an individual decision that a person makes before the God of the universe, it is false to assert that God never views people groups and nations corporately. God not only treated nations corporately in the Old Testament, He viewed them generationally. God held entire past generations of past nations accountable for their past mistreatment of God’s (corporate) people.
Clearly it is not an unbiblical concept to say, “For what my ancestors did to your ancestors I am deeply sorry.” Nor is it an unbiblical concept for a descendent of a majority race to recognize the lasting imprint that enslavement and abuse has left generationally on a minority race. Such humble repentance and responsibility-taking can lead to present reconciliation and relational restoration.
Though my ancestors were in Romania being persecuted and abused during the time of American enslavement, I still accept a sense of responsibility for the harm that White Americans brought upon Black Americans. I also understand something of the lingering impact of that horrible mistreatment.
Recognizing responsibility and impact does not mean that I think a current member of a past harmed group “needs” my “help” in order to “make it.” However, all human beings need understanding, empathy, and reconciliation. They don’t need to be told, “Just get over it!”
Thus, I applaud the people of Virginia and the members of the US House of Representatives on their recent movements toward generational repentance and reconciliation. May God honor their efforts and produce the fruit of peace.
