A Thorny Issue

by abcrystcats

Posted to Poetry and Politics on 2004-06-30 06:04:00

Parent message is 670718
I’ve been following this debate between both of you with great interest. The question seems to be: how do you approach evildoers — with forgiveness or with judgement?

If I may make a suggestion: judge the behavior, not the person. At the same time, if an individual repeatedly commits the same offenses, then perhaps you ought to consider a change of tactics. I would concentrate my efforts on those who are most likely to overcome their problems, first. Second, concentrate on those who are in trouble through no fault of their own (ex: the insane), and lastly, concentrate on the ones who created their own mess and are unlikely to change (the long-time drug addicts, alcoholics, violent criminals). I know, Daylen, that you probably already do this. I also know that it is easier to talk about than to do, but you have to draw the boundaries (as YOU said)in your own mind, in order to keep from going crazy.

Perhaps that’s why I have chosen to help animals rather than people. With animals, it’s easier to remain objective. It takes more courage to help people. You give up so much of your own heart and soul in the process, and I’m not ready for that, yet. I am working towards it. Maybe in this life, maybe in the next …

The funny thing is, I completely understand Tfire’s point of view, and naturally lean toward it. I tend to be unsympathetic with people who cannot rise above their own difficulties. Intolerant, I think is a good word to describe it. On the other hand, I recognize the merit of Daylen’s (almost) unconditional karitas. I lean towards the judgement and then I am ashamed and try to move away from it. I haven’t yet achieved a comfortable position in my own mind, but I am working on it.

I have to thank both of you for discussing this openly. Please don’t stop.