Disruption of Moral Reasoning and Moral Judgment: Moral Injury and Healing Through Forgiveness

Abstract

Although morality (systemic judgment of determining right or wrong), has been taught, researched and written about over the decades, society has been faced with the challenges of a questionable moral structure and a plethora of moral injuries. This paper reviews current literature and research about moral injury as well as the structure on which morality is founded. Current research shows that one of the consequences of an irreconcilable moral belief is moral injury or a soul injury, (coined by Dr. Marvin Westwood in a recent lecture at St. Thomas University), with symptoms that are similar to PTSD and other mental illnesses or disorders. By focusing on moral injury as a deep psychological and spiritual wound, forgiveness as a theological and spiritual approach, is the most effective framework to address the wound of moral injury.