Monday, December 12, 2011
Forgiveness
I found the most interesting part of this section of the book is the discussion of forgiveness. The definition of forgiveness, and not being confused with pardon. I thought the quote from the Anglican Bishop N.T. Wright that challenges the notion that forgiveness implies indifference is helpful in understanding the Amish definition of forgiveness, "Forgiveness doesn't mean 'I didn't really mind' or It didn't really matter.' I did mind and it did matter; otherwise there wouldn't be anything to forgive at all." How do you think this differs from how others view forgiveness?
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19 comments:
I agree, I appreciated the way the final section of the book helped to clarify things for me. At the end of the part 1, while I admired the way the Amish community rose above the tragedy and reached out to Mrs Roberts, it seemed as though they were not experiencing the range of emotions which accompany such a violent, senseless tragedy
I think the final part of the book helps us better understand the definition of forgiveness, how it is truly important to the victim, whether or not the perpetrator is repentant or not.
My view of their reactions changed as I read further along in the book. The Amish forgave the perpetrator, but they did grieve extensively and try to decipher why God allowed this to happen.
Yes, forgiveness is choosing not to not let the act consume you.
I agree Connie. I have a greater understanding for why they react as they did. I may not agree with everything, but I certainly understand it. I think again, because they consider what is best for the entire community, instead of the individual, it defines how they act.
They believe that God has a plan and goal for the world -- Divine Providence -- but is incomprehensible. They were comforted with the thought that this tragedy may be the basis for a greater good, such as spreading the Gospel.
I found the description of their grieving process very interesting.
Through their reaction to the tragedy they did bear witness to the world the power of forgiveness
I think it was a good reminder that people can still grieve, even though they have forgiven. They are different and I think I may have viewed forgiveness as coming after grieving was done. That doesn't have to be the case.
I previously thought that the practice of shunning was totally inconsistent with their belief in total forgiveness. However, when the Amish agree to be members of the church, they also accept the dictates of the Bible as they perceive them and the rules of the leaders of the Amish community. When a member goes against these, he is thought to be self-centered. When he recognizes the error of his ways and repents, he is gladly forgiven and accepted back into the community.
I know that as Lutherans we share a different understanding of Grace than that of the Amish. But, when I consider all aspects of the way they handled the events surrounding that day, it is their quiet humility - their grace under pressure that I admire and respect
I found the section about shunning enlighting and you're right Connie, they understand that this is part of their church. I thought the comparison that without shunning, it's like there are no doors and windows on the church. Interesting analogy.
I thought it was fascinating that the church leader could deny communion to the entire congregation if he felt that everyone did not have forgiveness in his/her heart.
Yes, Connie, I came away with a very different understanding of the practice of shunning. They are accountable for their actions in the practice of their faith and it is only after they fail to repent that they are shunned.
The whole thrust of the Amish leadership is to keep the Amish recognizably set apart from the rest of the world by maintaining their simple, old-fashioned and communal lifestyle and avoiding confrontation by conscientous objection The children are also not well educated in anything other than what has been handed down for centuries and therefore would have a difficult competing in the modern world if they choose to leave the fold. The religion is based on a very literal interpretation of the Bible by lay people and untrained pastors. They do not have theological seminaries.
That's an interesting observation Connie. There's no real questioning or looking for a deeper meaning in their religion.
I guess what I am saying in my previously comment is that there is a lot to be admired about the Amish but we all can't live like that and survive. I have not completely finished reading the third part but I plan to do so.
I totally agree Connie. I admire their ability to be so devoted to their religion. But, I also believe in the pursuit of knowledge and research and think of the advances we have made medically and technologically because of that. Not encouraging our children to think outside their own world doesn't help them survive in the future.
Thanks everyone for your comments! Looking forward to starting our next book for January!
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