Forgiveness as Praxis: A Religious and Philosophical Perspective on Restorative Social Work

This article explores the role of forgiveness in restorative social work through the intersecting lenses of philosophy and religion. In an era marked by systemic inequities and interpersonal trauma, forgiveness remains an underexplored yet vital dimension of restorative social work. This article interrogates forgiveness as a multidimensional praxis through the lenses of religious wisdom and philosophical inquiry, arguing that its ethical integration into restorative practice demands critical engagement with power, culture, and structural violence. Employing a qualitative systematic literature review and guided by the Integrative Critical-Restorative Theory, a framework synthesizing critical theory, restorative justice, and Ubuntu philosophy, the study reveals forgiveness as a contested process fraught with tensions between individual healing and systemic accountability. Key findings highlight the role of cultural and religious frameworks in shaping forgiveness narratives, the gendered and racialized dynamics of forgiveness discourse, and the ethical risks associated with coercive or depoliticized reconciliation. The analysis emphasizes the importance of survivor-centered, culturally humble approaches that connect interpersonal repair to structural change. Recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers include embedding reparative justice in restorative programmes, centering marginalized epistemologies, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Through bridging ancient wisdom and modern praxis, this study advances a vision of forgiveness that transcends individualism, offering pathways to heal fractured communities while challenging the systems that perpetuate these fractures.