Scapegoating and the Perpetuation of Harmful Stereotypes: A Theological Reflection Inspired by Selected Texts from AFER

The concept of scapegoating has played a significant role in theological discourse, particularly in understanding the atonement of Christ. However, this paper argues that relying on scapegoating as a primary framework for theological reflection on identity is inherently problematic. It argues that relying on this framework perpetuates harmful stereotypes, undermines the agency and dignity of marginalized groups, and ultimately fails to capture the fullness of divine love and justice. It also argued, the often undermine discrepancy in the notion of scapegoating in both the theological and psychological explanation of it. This paper present practically the mistake of applying psychological meaning of scapegoating into theological reflection. By drawing upon insights from various theological and psychological perspectives, including liberation theology and postcolonial transformation, this paper proposes alternative frameworks that offer a more nuanced and liberative understanding of identity in relation to God, self, and others. This will be supported by chosen texts from a journal edited and published by the Catholic University of East Africa supervised by AMECEA.