This article is an adaptation of Dr. Belcher’s doctoral dissertation, the purpose of which was to research the Logic of Retribution and the response to teachings about biblical forgiveness after implementation of Story-Based Trauma Healing (SBTH) lesson seven, How Can We Forgive Others in the Wore people group of the Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG). In PNG, there exists a cultural norm of paying back offenses that can be violent and escalating. Though the Wore have a system in place for bringing about peace when a grievance has occurred, after implementation of the SBTH course, the Wore reasoned that their cultural road to peace lacked a personal encounter with Jesus and true forgiveness.
Dr. Jennifer Belcher, and her husband, Ron, serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators and are seconded to SIL in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Together, they manage the SIL training center and guest house in Alotau, PNG. Part of Jennifer’s role with SIL is helping with oral programs such as the Story-Based Trauma Healing Course and Oral Bible Storytelling.
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