O pojednaniu w perspektywie adhortacji Reconciliatio et paenitentia Jana Pawła II

This paper is a philosophical study of the phenomenon of reconciliation, as well as forgiveness (condonation) related thereto. Following the analyses contained in the apostolic exhortation Reconciliatio et paenitentia (Reconciliation and Penance) of Pope John Paul II, the studies herein are aimed at indicating the connotations and modalities of the notion and the reality it describes. Reconciliation can be basically defined as (1) the realization of penance (making up for the damage done), (2) an inner turn in a restoration of the disturbed relationship between persons (a form of self-therapy), and in Christian theology as (3) the redemptive work of Christ. In this paper the author tries to give a philosophical insight into the latter meaning, stressing that reconciliation is a process that can be unilateral and unconditional as well as bilateral and conditional. Furthermore, it should be stated that reconciliation is a special “gift” and should be distinguished from mere “reconciliation”, “agreement” or “compromise”.