Thoughtful

[gothwalk]

morenasangre posted this:

Hatred of an action does not equate to hatred of the individual who performed it.

... which is a wonderful sentiment, and one to which not enough attention is paid.

But I'm wondering as I admire it - how many actions that I'd hold hatred for are they allowed before they cross the threshold to being hatable themselves? This is a rhetorical question; I'm not expecting anyone to quantify it.

It's in this, I think, that one of the major differences between Christianity and my own personal religion comes up - Christianity forgives and forgives and forgives, but I come to a point where I have to say it's enough, and decide that that person is no longer worth knowing, or listening to. My Gods agree with me on this; some people have, by their own actions or inactions, put themselves beyond regard.

Comments

[sciamachy.livejournal.com]

Forgiveness and forgetting are two different things. Forgiveness means continuing to treat a person well when you interact, and not seeking revenge for past wrongs. Forgetting entails leaving yourself open for them to do it all over again. Forgive, but don't forget.

[kehoea.livejournal.com]

A datum: all the Résistance monuments in France have "pardonner, mais ne pas oublier" inscribed on them, and honestly, there, I think keeping the second world war in mind on every interaction with Germany is a stupid thing to do.

[sciamachy.livejournal.com]

Maybe, but I think if you'd had your country overrun and devastated by them not once or twice but three times (Franco-Prussian war plus the two world wars) I think you'd be a bit wary. That's not to say bear it in mind on an individual basis, but the French leaders ought to bear in mind how things have gone in the past, because if you fail to learn from the past, you're doomed to keep repeating the same mistakes.

[m-nivalis.livejournal.com]

Word.

[phantom_wolfboy]

I would say, "need not" rather than "does not", cause all too often, it does.

[cissa.livejournal.com]

Based on my rather extensive experience with Christianity, Christians are told to forgive and forgive and forgive... although their God does not forgive unless the offender acknowledges wrongdoing and repents sincerely. A Christian, on the other hand, is generally consider5ed to be required for forgive, regardless.

This is a sticky issue for me, and had quite a lot to do with my separation from Christianity. My gods do not require forgiveness. There are other ways to negotiate between forgiveness, and allowing an offense to rule ones life. I think those other ways are preferable.

Besides, it's not always about hatred. Sometimes it's about dislike, or disgust, or...?

[teapot-farm.livejournal.com]

...or taking some appropriate action to ensure that they don't get to repeat the behaviour.
Which is a minefield in itself, but one that I feel it necessary to get into, despite the risk of self-delusion and self-aggrandisement.

Forgive me if I speak out of turn

[capitaljustice.livejournal.com]

While I am not a Christian I am almost sure that of the Christians I have wronged in the past very few have forgiven me. Christianity may teach forgiveness or forgetfulness but I would dare to say few of its followers practice said rule.

"It is better to forgive than forget" is a semi-famous saying but for the life of me I cannot remember where I heard it from. Of for that matter where it may have come from but I think most people who strive to live a peaceful life follow this basic tenent. And let us not forget that the bible teaches you to turn the other cheek but it doesn't say you can't have both eyes on the person in question.