Reparations?

History is overflowing with the injustice, cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery. From the first ancient civilizations through to the present, every race has either enslaved its own, or others. Slavery is one of the ugliest manifestations of human evil, recognized by all.

Today, when the topic of slavery is brought up, many focus on the evils of the Atlantic slave trade. Thankfully, this kind of slavery in North America ended 154 years ago. However, given that the history of the West is entwined with slavery, some today are advocating for the need to right the injustices of the past through reparations in order to bring social reconciliation.

Reparations can be defined as material and social repayments made by the offending party to the offended party for past wrongs to repair the injustices/losses caused by the wrongs.

This sounds, on the surface, like a nice idea. Who doesn’t want social reconciliation, and peace?  However, is it a biblical idea that is in line with true justice? Does it align with gospel motivated forgiveness? Does it actually cover up and repair past wrongs? Does it truly reconcile two alienated parties?