Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
We ask in this prayer that our Father in heaven would not hold our sins against us and
because of them refuse to hear our prayer. And we pray that he would give us everything by grace, for we sin every day and deserve nothing but punishment. So we on our part will
heartily forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.
~ Martin Luther's Small Catechism
Do you agree with the Amish minister's statement that "sometimes it's harder to forgive each other than it is to forgive someone like Charles Roberts"?
What influences shaped the children of the West Nickel Mines School?
17 comments:
I thought that it was interesting that many of the Amish people said it was more difficult to forgive strangers than people you are with everyday. I think that may be true for many people and especially in Amish communities where the people are surrounded by each other constantly. While it creates a close knit community, it must be diffcult sometimes.
I was fascinated by their tradition of preparing for communion just twice a year and that forgiveness had to be part of it. That the church might postpone the service if people felt there were problems within the church. And the metaphor they use about a grain being unbroken or a berry remaining whole doesn't allow them to share in the whole.
Part II of Amish Grace explores the history and beliefs of the Anabaptist Amish from the 1500's until today. Their beliefs are characterized by forgiveness, nonresistance, and humility. They place the decisions of the church and the community first before their individual desires and therefore are very submissive to the decisions of the church and community. It is harder for them, as for anyone, to forgive the wrongdoing of someone they have known, lived near, worshiped with, and trusted all of their lives than to forgive a total stranger. Their history shows they are conditioned to opt for martyrdom rather than violence when confronted by an enemy. The oldest of the Nickel Mine students offered to be taken first and showed her acceptance of being the martyr. Their parents forgave and comfort the murderer and his family.
While the closeness of the community could add to or prolong difficulties among neighbors, the gravity of an event such as the shooting which took place seems to out weigh everyday conflict. The description of the Amish response to the shooting found in Part 1 described the ease with which the forgiveness occurred. I found it interesting that in Part 2 there was mention of the fact that, for some, it can be difficult
I thought it was interesting to point out that the Amish do believe that actions have consequences but that many have petitioned the courts against issuing the death penalty in crimes. I think their forgiveness in these cases is hard for many of us to comprehend.
Kim - I hope I haven't messed up this blog for everyone. After I logged in I filled my comment in on a form provided and now this shows as the latest administrator's post. Can you undo this?
I think Part 2 brings out that the Amish forgiveness is based on their interpretation of the Lord's Prayer and the Gospel of Matthew that they must forgive before they are forgiven by God.
It is central to Amish beliefs that they can not be forgiven unless they themselves forgive. While we strive to forgive, we have the understanding that by God's grace we are forgiven. For me, that seems to be what differentiates us.
I think you're right Kim. We believe that God first forgave us even though we may be unworthy of that forgiveness and asks us to be forgiving. The Amish see that in order to be forgiven, they must forgive.
I always viewed the Amish as having a rather fatalistic approach to life. That God has a predestined plan for everyone. Part 2 brings out, however, that the Amish recognize they have choices in their lives that will affect their individual futures.
Looking back on the description of what took place in the school that morning, Part 2 puts into perspective the reaction of the girl who offer to be the first victim.
Amish children grow up immersed in the history of all those who have died for their faith as well as the concept of Gelassenheit.
The humility of the Amish is what I admire in this day and age when everyone "toots his own horn." My father showed his German Lutheran heritage when he always insisted on humbleness and the avoidance of pride. I still today feel uncomfortable when someone starts a comment to me like "you must be proud of . . . "
I think Connie, that many people today forget where they got their talent from. So many things they are "proud" of, are truly gifts from God.
I agree Connie, in several of the accounts described in Part 2, it seemed as though the parents who had lost children in accidents seem to accept the situation as being "something that was supposed to happen". My impression of their reaction was that of being distant and cold
I found that hard too Kim. I'm not sure I could be that forgiving if something happened to Kate.
Thanks for participating this evening. We will wrap up this book on Dec 1
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