Rowan Williams has warned that easy forgiveness can make suffering appear not to matter.
In BBC1’s What is the Point in Forgiveness?, to be broadcast on Good Friday, the Archbishop also concedes that it is not fair to expect victims of abuse, rape or torture to turn the other cheek with ease.'
It would perhaps have been better if several points had been added:
1) Unforgiveness can spiritually damage the victim and
2) Where forgiveness is difficult - and I speak from bitter experience - being willing to forgive is vital.
3) To give a sense of perspective, Jesus offered forgiveness to His crucifiers - even if that forgiveness was almost certainly not taken up.
4) Furthermore, we must never forget that we cannot outdo God who only forgives where there is evidence of true repentance.
5) The problem is further complicated where societies ignore the Lex Talionis in matters of legal punishments. Victims need a background of knowing that there will be some attempts at earthly justice.
This ain't no easy issue!
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1375952/We-forgive-easily-says-Archbishop-Canterbury.html#ixzz1JHuYsAOC
