DL begins stating a conflict many see with compassion as a central ethic, namely that it somehow undercuts justice in a society. Do you, personally, see or feel this particular conflict? When “fairness” is paramount, not only compassion but Jesus can get run out of town, right?
Traditionally, have you viewed and practiced punishment as a form of retribution or prevention?
DL, midway through, highlights his belief that people can change. How vital is this belief if we seek a more compassionate world?
DL advocates distinguishing the action from the actor. He writes, “It is vital to keep in mind the distinction between the doer and the deed.” Sounds a lot like “love the sinner; hate the sin.” Do you buy this? Why/why not?
DL states that unjust situations demand strong responses, and not that we accept injustice, but respond in a non-violent way. I hadn't considered that nonviolence could be a sign of self-confidence and courage. What gives us the self-confidence in such a response? Might it be cultural, faith-based? Thinking Martin Luther King Jr. as reference, and his book "Strength to Love", or "Letter from Birmingham Jail"...what powerful writing. And yet, he wrote of having self-doubts about his chances for success, but not in the rightness of what he supported. Change a person's mind with concern, not with anger or hatred.
ReplyDeleteWatched the movie "Invictus" again two weeks ago, and then thinking of the images in this film, and DL's comments about S. Africa on pg 62-63, not vengeance as punishment, but forgiveness expressed thru telling and listening to truth. Tutu wrote a book in 2000 called "No Future Without Forgiveness", about his work with S.Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, recently ordered it and eager to read more. This puts punishment into the format of deterrence, I would guess.
DL's comments about the limits of redress (pg 62), especially in reference to the death penalty are brief, and succinct. Perhaps it is our religion/faith that helps us overcome the retribution that he says is rooted in human instinct to reactive aggressively to violent acts against oneself. Who wouldn't feel wronged, threatened, seeking to "avoid suffering". Hard to feel compassion in such situations, but I believe it is to right thing to do, keeping open the opportunity for change. That may require a lifetime from some (even the victimized can benefit from the possibility of change in their feelings perhaps). It always amazes me that some people are able to forgive so much, not sure I could, but am fortunate enough not to be in that situation. On pg. 71, he again looks at inner motivation for our actions (forgiveness? punishment?), will have to think more about inner motivation being the most important aspect of ethics.
Here's a thread to begin...Has "love the sinner hate the sin" ever really worked for you? I mean is it more than just a bumper sticker? And if so, how, practically speaking....
ReplyDeleteHate the sin love the sinner, something to strive for but all sin ..how about repeated sin..like repeat offenders such as child molesters..hard time loving them..so where does that leave me in loving another human being..short in DL's eyesy I am afraid
ReplyDeleteYeah, the notion of repeat offenses does cut to the chase, to the bone. It is so much harder to forgive and to be compassionate in those situations. Also, where hard core sorts of offenders are concerned - child mollesters and the like, I have no problem locking them up - for society's safety, etc. But I do think we should keep visiting them in prison, not put them to death, keep hoping and striving for rehabilitation, but in a safe, wise way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that but is it enough?..on a day to day basis..trying to look at others as "human beings" has been helpful for me this week..I seem to constantly need something to gleam on to so I am not focused on just my own little world
ReplyDeleteI think the spiritual practices we have been exploring on Tuesday nights are just one small way of trying to open our hearts, minds, and "worlds" so that God can expand them. But you put your finger on the heart of the problem - over focusing on our own little worlds...
ReplyDeleteSo is it through these readings, talking and striving for truth that we accomplish this?..
ReplyDeleteTough question but THEE critical question. I think it is a lot of things. Jesus seemed to live OUTSIDE his own literal world and in total constant touch with his Father's BIG, everybody is welcome world. How do we get there or at least move in that direction? Learning about him and other great spiritual teachers, immitating them, practicing what they practice, getting out of ourselves and our schedules at least a little each day. Fellowship with others who are trying to grow in this same way. We probably should shoot over to ch 6. We're in our last ten minutes it looks like...
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