Christianity and Forgiveness Flashcards
What are five points?
Jesus taught his followers that you should forgive so that they will be forgiven also
Jesus taught his followers that it is vital to forgive people who harm them
Christians believe that forgiveness leads to reconciliation
Christians believe that God will judge them on Judgement Day
Jesus taught his followers that you should forgive so that they will be forgiven also
“Forgive us the wrongs that we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done us.” (Matthew 6:12)
Christians should follow the teachings of Jesus and also want to be forgiven, thus they should forgive
Jesus taught his followers that it is vital to forgive people who harm them
“Seven times? Peter suggested. But Jesus answered, “No, not seven times…but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22)
Christians take this to mean an infinite number of times and tat forgiveness should always be given
Christians should follow the Jesus’ teachings
Christians believe that forgiveness leads to reconciliation
“Do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you…” (Matthew 5:39 and 44)
Revenge leads to more wrong doings so it is better to forgive and reconcile
Christians believe that God will judge them on Judgement Day
If Christians repent their sins then God will forgive them
For example, Catholics will go to Confession
Christians want to go to heaven and so will ask for forgiveness
As they do not know when they will die, forgiveness is a normal and important part of Christian life
Forgiveness and Reconciliation is important for spiritual wellbeing, and for Christians to have a good relationship with other people and with God. Example: Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa
People in South Africa, after Apartheid, were encouraged to come forward and tell the truth about the crimes they had committed and the atrocities they had suffered in Truth and Reconciliation trails
Archbishop Desmond Tutu said “There is no future for South Africa without forgiveness…Forgiving and forgetting will allow South Africa to move forward.”
This proved to be the right approach
What is the example of Anthony Walker?
Anthony Walker was brutally murdered but his mother and sister forgave the killers because hating them was too much of a burden and their lives were bitter and miserable
By forgiving, they were able to move on and live a happy life again
What are the opposing points?
St Paul stated that if a fellow Christian’s lifestyle clearly goes against what God wants and they repeatedly refuse to change their ways, then they should not be allowed
membership of the church
If a quarrel is about a religious or moral issue, if the person quarrelled with is going against Christian beliefs then there can be no reconciliation - Christian beliefs should not be given up for friends and family
