forgiveness looked like both releasing feelings of anger and hostility to his killer, but also extending mercy and wishing them to be released from prison. Brandt’s response was praised and applauded by the Christian community, but his mother, Allison Jean had a different response. She called for justice, desiring her son’s killer to remain in prison, and also pushed for police reform—and yet her desires went largely unnoticed by most of the media. Why were people quick to applaud the act of forgiveness, while negating the pursuit of justice? How can we so casually dismiss the cries for justice by those who have been historically and presently marginalized and oppressed? In today’s society where there is so much injustice and hurt, why might our natural response be to turn a blind eye toward the suffering that’s occurring? Do we unintentionally hurt others when we shine a spotlight exclusively on forgiveness?
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Forgiveness is essential to healthy human relationships. The French Jesuit and theologian, François Varillo
Answer:
forgiveness looked like both releasing feelings of anger and hostility to his killer, but also extending mercy and wishing them to be released from prison. Brandt’s response was praised and applauded by the Christian community, but his mother, Allison Jean had a different response. She called for justice, desiring her son’s killer to remain in prison, and also pushed for police reform—and yet her desires went largely unnoticed by most of the media. Why were people quick to applaud the act of forgiveness, while negating the pursuit of justice? How can we so casually dismiss the cries for justice by those who have been historically and presently marginalized and oppressed? In today’s society where there is so much injustice and hurt, why might our natural response be to turn a blind eye toward the suffering that’s occurring? Do we unintentionally hurt others when we shine a spotlight exclusively on forgiveness?