Thursday, November 15, 2007

I secretly want to punch English in the transitive verb

I am really troubled by the expression "I cannot forgive them for what they have done" or "We cannot forgive them" or "We can never forgive them." What do you mean....never? 
There is no possible situation that you could fathom forgiving the perceived harm that has been done? I find it particularly troubling when monks and priests say these sorts of things. Forgiveness is our greatest gift. We can always forgive someone...can't we?? Even those most heinous WWII criminal is eventually forgiven, we find the space in our hearts and minds to allow that they acted how they acted, that they were punished and repented (in some form or other), that you and i have survived, have found a better life since (and more often than not, because of) their actions. Why not forgive these people? 
Even the person who takes your life...merely sends you and those you loved (or who loved you since you are dead now) into a new place, a new world that you are not a part of, where your legacy for forgiveness love and human compassion lives on without you to practice it. 
 Even those who taunt and tease and hurt you in all sorts of imaginable and unimaginable ways are one day forgiven...it is difficult, but why not say so. "I find it really difficult to forgive this harm, this person, these deeds" or "It is hard for me to forgive them." At least this sort of language leaves space for humanity, leaves space for the possibility that through the hard work and determination of both parties forgiveness may come, and human peace for some time return.

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