Today, Explained How to forgive
Aug 20, 2021
Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer at The Atlantic, delves into the multifaceted nature of forgiveness in today's unforgiving climate. She discusses personal stories that reveal the emotional struggles tied to forgiving heinous acts, especially within the context of systemic injustices. The conversation addresses the challenges of reconciling victimization with societal pressures to forgive. Bruenig also explores how digital culture complicates forgiveness through public shaming, emphasizing that true forgiveness is vital for personal growth and societal healing.
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Defining Forgiveness
- Forgiveness is not about absolving guilt or lessening the offense.
- It's about choosing to stop seeking restitution or vengeance for a wrongdoing.
Forgiveness as Strength
- Forgiveness is often mistaken as weakness, but it demands strength and courage.
- It challenges our innate understanding of justice, which prefers accountability and consequences.
Who Benefits from Forgiveness?
- Forgiveness primarily benefits the offender, not the victim.
- It's a freely given gift, undeserved, motivated by virtue, mercy, and societal peace.