Testing the soil of power and privilege

We are in Week 6 of PAX 571, Introduction to Restorative Justice at Eastern Mennonite. In addition to the lineup of readings and videos on Moodle, the Book Review assignment is due. I chose, Ambassadors of Reconciliation, Diverse Christian Practices of Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, by Enns and Myer and it was a great combination of the academic and the practice for this work.

I extensively highlighted the third chapter, starting with the lead “restorative justice and peacemaking are not ideals by practices, which take place in difficult, real-word terrain.” Theological assumptions make the connections throughout the book and the reference to Exodus 16:4 followed and was summarize; “… our assumption here is that biblically, power is a gift and a “good” to be shared equitably, not a possession to be hoarded – like the manna of Exodus.” Social power is obvious, and in some cases, not so obvious at all. Graphics typically help me better understand a concept (it came as no surprise to me that I am a visual learner) but I am having some trouble getting my head around the Social Power, Perception and Context graphic. Back to reading …