We reply to Gassin's (2001) valuable description of an Eastern Orthodox perspective on interpersonal forgiveness by discussing some socio-cultural issues related to eastern and western construals of forgiveness and humility. Differences in the social function of humility and forgiveness are outlined based on differing cultural contexts. Crysdale's (1999) theological model of the cross and resurrection is utilized for developing an integrative perspective on forgiveness and empowerment.
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