ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how hatred can keep individuals and societies trapped in negative emotions, thoughts, motivations, and intentions, and how forgiveness can liberate individuals and societies from the oppression of hatred and promote peace. Although defined in various ways, hatred often stems from an extremely negative emotional state, influencing thoughts, motivations, and behaviors toward others. Forgiveness can be seen as one means by which to extinguish the flames of hatred and facilitate peace by reducing negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors toward an offending individual or group and replacing these with positive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Much research has been conducted that has shown that forgiveness brings about several positive and peaceful outcomes, including improved mental and physical health, enhanced well-being, and better relationships. Forgiveness, as part of the purposes of peace education, can be taught to both individuals and communities. Given its benefits and its teachability, forgiveness might be considered one part of the solution in response to hate in interpersonal, intergroup, community, national, and international contexts and a key foundation of reconciliation and peace.
