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originally posted by: soulwaxer
a reply to: Komodo
Nice post OP.
However: I sometimes wonder if forgiving is necessary or even beneficial when it concerns the actions of a psychopath or sociopath. Why? Because it will have no effect on them. There is no introspection, sense of guilt, remorse etc. Forgiving only emboldens such a "person", making them feel even more powerful and increasing the chance of additional crimes.
In all other cases, yes, forgiving is the way to go. Just MHO.
soulwaxer
originally posted by: 0zzymand0s
a reply to: soulwaxer
Forgiveness isn't for the other party, it's for you. There is a vast gulf between forgiveness and reconciliation. For example: I forgive my ex, and move on, but we will never reconcile as lovers because I cannot trust her with my heart. So it goes with those who have purposefully wronged us socially, economically, politically, environmentally. Forgive? Maybe... I'd like to move forward on a personal level. Reconcile? Never.
originally posted by: chewi
Forgiveness is not something you can choose to switch on/off. It is a process all humans go through. Firstly you have to EMPATHISE with the offender, that in turn leads to UNDERSTANDING of the crime and person, this in turn leads to FORGIVENESS. there are another 2 steps to follow and they are the reward for forgiving. This is turn leads to GRATITUDE wich in turn leads to ECSTACY.
ENLIGHTENMENT.
originally posted by: 0zzymand0s
a reply to: soulwaxer
Forgiveness isn't for the other party, it's for you. There is a vast gulf between forgiveness and reconciliation. For example: I forgive my ex, and move on, but we will never reconcile as lovers because I cannot trust her with my heart. So it goes with those who have purposefully wronged us socially, economically, politically, environmentally. Forgive? Maybe... I'd like to move forward on a personal level. Reconcile? Never.
The hard part is exercising your free will. You can choose to have empathy or not. My point being you cannot forgive without going through this process. Its like the grieving process it follows certain laws and rules that have to be obeyed. If you do not follow each step you cannot move on, causing the energy/emotional blockage. When you truly Empathise then the othr steps come naturally. Try Empathising with someone who has wronged you and feel its effect on you. I promise you will feel "lighter". Message me for more info. It really works in 5 short steps and quickly as well.
originally posted by: Isurrender73
originally posted by: chewi
Forgiveness is not something you can choose to switch on/off. It is a process all humans go through. Firstly you have to EMPATHISE with the offender, that in turn leads to UNDERSTANDING of the crime and person, this in turn leads to FORGIVENESS. there are another 2 steps to follow and they are the reward for forgiving. This is turn leads to GRATITUDE wich in turn leads to ECSTACY.
ENLIGHTENMENT.
You make it sound so simple, but I can't disagree.