Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas
It is 1:12am and I am up. I been thinking about Christmas and been wanting to write. There is something on my heart. I read today in the Courier Journal that said that Christ needed to be taken out of Christmas. Actually it was a letter to the editor in responce to that article. The writer went on claiming the paper was anti-christian and so forth. Regardless it brought home my message I needed to tell all of you. The world will take Christ out of Christmas, because we have already. See, we teach our children about a jolly fat man named Santa. Last I checked Santa is not in the bible. Yes, I know that Santa Claus is based upon Saint Nicholos. So why do we not tell his story and for get this man that lives at the North Pole with elfs and reindeer? These parts of the story are not part of St. Nicholas. Saint Nicolas was a man who did great things for God. His warmth of giving and helping others needs to be told, but the truth not a man in a red suit that really takes on the role of God. Please don't dimiss this think about it. THink of all the things Santa stand for. This will sound over the top but look at Santa and Satan look at the words. Does this mean anything nope other than Satan wants to be a false God. Santa is too. We give so much now, during this time of year. Why don't we do this through out the year? Why do we buy presents that cost so much? Would it not be better to take that money and help the poor and hungry? We want to use the Magi gifts given to Jesus to justify our tradion, then let us only give three gifts. We have allowed the holiday to become something it should not be and that is bigger than Easter. See yes God sent Jesus and that is great. But the real gift came from Jesus in his acceptance of who he was and taking the sins to the cross. He had a choice. He could have not done it then this holiday would be useless. So when you go about your business today think of this. WWJD? It still applies today as it did then.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Update on love and forgivness.
God is funny how he test you. See today was a birthday party for Wayne Smith. Wayne is Melissa's dad, My ex-father-in-law. It was a great party and it was nice to be able to attend and feel like I was part of the family, but something came up. You see I was a big jerk and to tell you the truth that is one reason me and Melissa is not together. I carry a burden that I need to give to God. I was told all is forgiven and I believe that in the way I am treated, the problem comes within me. Anyway about 15 years ago there was a big blow up and it caused so hurtful feelings among both families. There was one particular person who was not blood related, but was a close family friend. She proceeded to put her nose into it and I kindly back then closed the door on it. Since that instead of treating just me like a jerk ot taking it out on me, took it out on Melissa and Rose this whole time. She never would speak to any of us since that time. Remind you Rose was only 4 maybe at the time. Funny thing we all got over it and moved on she still holds that against us and we are not together. Melissa told me just tonight that this person is just now starting to say somethings to her. Funny thing also about this, I never really said much to her other than to keep her nose out of it, after all she was not family. Well tonight I saw her come in and I wonder what would happen. I did not go out of my way but I did pass her and I put my hand on her shoulder and said Hi. I asked if she was okay. Not once did she look at me and just said hello and okay.
Here is where I sinned, I instantly got mad. It was like someone slapped me. I walked away and held on to that anger. Melissa asked me and I told her. She looked at me and then told me that she had been asked if we was back together. I am sure there was more, but Missy decided not to give me the rest. I got mad and said a few choice words. All the anger and memories from that night flooded my mind. I finally had to let it go. I just let it go, and now I been asking God to forgive me of my mistake and to help me to let it go.
I got hurt because she still has not forgiven me. That was wrong for me to get hurt and me to get mad. She will have to answer for her actions; I have to answer to mine. I wish I could go back and change a lot of things, but I can't all I can do is ask for forgiveness and then let God sort it all out.
We are not responsible fot those we seek forgiveness once we do what God calls us to do then it someone Else's ball game.
Here is where I sinned, I instantly got mad. It was like someone slapped me. I walked away and held on to that anger. Melissa asked me and I told her. She looked at me and then told me that she had been asked if we was back together. I am sure there was more, but Missy decided not to give me the rest. I got mad and said a few choice words. All the anger and memories from that night flooded my mind. I finally had to let it go. I just let it go, and now I been asking God to forgive me of my mistake and to help me to let it go.
I got hurt because she still has not forgiven me. That was wrong for me to get hurt and me to get mad. She will have to answer for her actions; I have to answer to mine. I wish I could go back and change a lot of things, but I can't all I can do is ask for forgiveness and then let God sort it all out.
We are not responsible fot those we seek forgiveness once we do what God calls us to do then it someone Else's ball game.
It is the season- Love
I was seating at my desk and was listening to a song from Rascal Flatts called "A winner at a losing game." Basically it is about two people one in love with the other and the other does not feel the same way. The song says so much to my heart because I am there in a way, but this is not what I am here about. At least not yet. I am here to talk about Love. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 it talks in the King James about charity which when translated in today's meaning read as love. I want to hone in on a couple one verse. It is verse 8 "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. " Here we are told that the things that some churches put an importance on Prophecies, and speaking in tongues and knowledge, which is another study in itself, all will cease, but love will last for ever it never fails it will be there when all else does. I want to address an issue with a question.
So why is it that we have 50% divorce rates in the church like we do outside the church? Why is the church not setting an example? The church members lost that love? No, church members have forgotten what it means to be a follower of Christ. They go to church and play church for everyone to see them, but when it comes down to the rubber meeting the road. They fall short.
WOW that was harsh! Right? Well it is the truth. We are under a order from God himself to love one another, to forgive one another and to be like him. What would happen if God one day says, "hum I not "feeling it"?" Love is not a feeling that everyday stays the same. It alive and it ebbs in and out, it flows! Why do you think God used a river as an analogy? If your reading this and your married. If you look at your spouse and you feel hate and anger then I hsve to ask you a couple of questions.
1. Do you claim to be a christian?
2. IF so, then why are you not on your knees asking God to change your heart?
My heart? Yes, your heart! It is your hate that you feel! Hate is something that we do. It is not from God. It is something that can destroy us if we don't deal with it. Jesus told us in Matthew 18:22 "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." You don't know what I live with. Your right I don't. I do know he can take that hate and turn it back into love. A love that forgives no matter what happens. No matter how big a pain in the rear your spouse is.
"Well, Are you the one to talk? Mr. I have been divorced three times?" Yes, I do have the authority to talk and teach this. How? Because I would still be married had they not said the lost their love for me. You see if you know my past, I married one twice. I was the big pain in the butt. I had issues that I had not faced and was forced to last year. The thing is they forgot that they was not the greatest thing to live with. There were times I wanted to leave them, that i wished they would go fly a kite. Yet, I had learned to choice to love them and their flaws.
Let me explain. I have had to fight hatred in the last few months. You see one of them had said they would never leave me. That their love would not end. Well when things between us became hard, when we was at the end of our ropes. She left. I did file for divorce. Yet the day she signed the paper, I begged her not to. I asked her to come home. I told her that I filed the papers out of anger and I wanted it to work out. She signed them. She told me she would never come home. I found out that she lives with someone not far from here. It is another man and it has been a year. Other things happened and hate came in and I let it fester. I was totally wrong in having those thoughts. I knew this. So I began the hardest road of forgiveness that I have every taken. I cried not that I lost her, no I cried because in my heart I hated her and I wanted it gone. It is so easy to hate. So, so easy to let it go. Have I done it? Some what, yes. It is a struggle, when I hear a song that we listened to I feel the rage come in. I fight back. I think of the good times. I think about Jesus more than anything and I pray. I pray, God take this hurt and anger away, Replace it with the love I need to have to forgive." By the time the Song ends I have a happy thought of her and then I pray for her. There is not hurt. Each time the song plays or songs it becomes easier. On one song, out song the song I sung to her at the wedding. The most important song. I can now listen to and feel good. It is a good memory.
So what does that have to do with love? Easy, if you are a Christian then you have to learn to forgive your spouse. PERIOD. Divorce should never be an option. What does the song you first mention and this have to do with each other? I am still in love with both of my wives. Yes, and that will never ever change. Will it hurt my future? Nope, because God knows how I feel. He knows how it feels to love someone and they not love him back the same way. He knows how I feel. He will handle it where I don't have to. I'am lonely and wish that I had my life back, and there are times I cry. God is usually there comforting me and telling me that things will get better. I have my doubts at time and want to scream. Yet I know that sooner or later it will be okay. That it is just around that bend up there in the road.
Please listen to this video, it is from one of the best christian rock bands. Don't worry it is loud!
So why is it that we have 50% divorce rates in the church like we do outside the church? Why is the church not setting an example? The church members lost that love? No, church members have forgotten what it means to be a follower of Christ. They go to church and play church for everyone to see them, but when it comes down to the rubber meeting the road. They fall short.
WOW that was harsh! Right? Well it is the truth. We are under a order from God himself to love one another, to forgive one another and to be like him. What would happen if God one day says, "hum I not "feeling it"?" Love is not a feeling that everyday stays the same. It alive and it ebbs in and out, it flows! Why do you think God used a river as an analogy? If your reading this and your married. If you look at your spouse and you feel hate and anger then I hsve to ask you a couple of questions.
1. Do you claim to be a christian?
2. IF so, then why are you not on your knees asking God to change your heart?
My heart? Yes, your heart! It is your hate that you feel! Hate is something that we do. It is not from God. It is something that can destroy us if we don't deal with it. Jesus told us in Matthew 18:22 "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." You don't know what I live with. Your right I don't. I do know he can take that hate and turn it back into love. A love that forgives no matter what happens. No matter how big a pain in the rear your spouse is.
"Well, Are you the one to talk? Mr. I have been divorced three times?" Yes, I do have the authority to talk and teach this. How? Because I would still be married had they not said the lost their love for me. You see if you know my past, I married one twice. I was the big pain in the butt. I had issues that I had not faced and was forced to last year. The thing is they forgot that they was not the greatest thing to live with. There were times I wanted to leave them, that i wished they would go fly a kite. Yet, I had learned to choice to love them and their flaws.
Let me explain. I have had to fight hatred in the last few months. You see one of them had said they would never leave me. That their love would not end. Well when things between us became hard, when we was at the end of our ropes. She left. I did file for divorce. Yet the day she signed the paper, I begged her not to. I asked her to come home. I told her that I filed the papers out of anger and I wanted it to work out. She signed them. She told me she would never come home. I found out that she lives with someone not far from here. It is another man and it has been a year. Other things happened and hate came in and I let it fester. I was totally wrong in having those thoughts. I knew this. So I began the hardest road of forgiveness that I have every taken. I cried not that I lost her, no I cried because in my heart I hated her and I wanted it gone. It is so easy to hate. So, so easy to let it go. Have I done it? Some what, yes. It is a struggle, when I hear a song that we listened to I feel the rage come in. I fight back. I think of the good times. I think about Jesus more than anything and I pray. I pray, God take this hurt and anger away, Replace it with the love I need to have to forgive." By the time the Song ends I have a happy thought of her and then I pray for her. There is not hurt. Each time the song plays or songs it becomes easier. On one song, out song the song I sung to her at the wedding. The most important song. I can now listen to and feel good. It is a good memory.
So what does that have to do with love? Easy, if you are a Christian then you have to learn to forgive your spouse. PERIOD. Divorce should never be an option. What does the song you first mention and this have to do with each other? I am still in love with both of my wives. Yes, and that will never ever change. Will it hurt my future? Nope, because God knows how I feel. He knows how it feels to love someone and they not love him back the same way. He knows how I feel. He will handle it where I don't have to. I'am lonely and wish that I had my life back, and there are times I cry. God is usually there comforting me and telling me that things will get better. I have my doubts at time and want to scream. Yet I know that sooner or later it will be okay. That it is just around that bend up there in the road.
Please listen to this video, it is from one of the best christian rock bands. Don't worry it is loud!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Well folks it done.
Well my research paper is done and graded. So, folks here is the final, well almost. I am going to proof it again and submit it to the IUS research journal per my professor. So if you see any errors let me know please.
Why Can’t Christians Forgive Christians
Literature Research Paper
Jesse Hall
10/15/2007 One of the principle teachings in the Christian religion is that of forgiveness. Christianity teaches that all people are born of sin (Romans 3:23). The Apostle John teaches that these sins can be forgiven, if a person will believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God (John 3:16). Many of the Christian denominations teach forgiveness as part of their doctrine and actively seek people to confess and ask forgiveness. Those people who do seek forgiveness are welcomed with open arms into the Christian family. Being unforgiving becomes a problem in the way Christians respond to fellow Christians who may have stumbled and committed a sin. They are still treated different even if they profess their guilt of that sin. Jesus teaches that believers are to forgive one another; yet many seem to gloss over this command at best or at worse ignore it (Matt. 18:22). Although God may forgive those Christians who confess their sins, some Christians refuse to. There is nothing new about this attitude and it can be seen throughout history. Literature gives us a glimpse of this problem through out time. Literature allows us to have an in-depth look at the cost of this unforgiving attitude of people. It is their unwillingness to forgive, which not only violates the very essence of the teaching on forgiveness, but causes problems to those who have committed the transgression and to innocent people as well.
One of the novels that portray the problems associated with being unable to forgive among some Christian believers is Nathanial Hawthorn’s The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorn introduces us to the lead character Mrs. Hester Prynne. Hester is convicted of adultery and is condemned to wear a scarlet letter “A” upon on her chest for the rest of her life (173). Hawthorn describes Hester’s’ life after her conviction of adultery and the effect upon her life. He also shows how the result of the sin and the punishment effects her daughter Pearl and the Reverend Dimmesdale. Another consequence that is brought out by Hawthorn is that of not forgiving someone and seeking revenge for the wrong which affected her husband, Roger Chillingworth. The condemnation of Hester and the Christian leadership’s refusal to allow repentance of her sin caused the hardship that follows Hester and the other characters.
Hawthorn describes the treatment of Hester by others in the town people and the visitors of the town, due to her having to wear the scarlet letter (205). The scarlet letter “A” is the mark of Hester's great sin of adultery and is a constant reminder to all who see it (191). It is a stigma to her. Much like today, when someone makes a mistake, it characterizes them for the rest of their lives. Christian or not, the stigma sticks on the transgressor, comparable to being sprayed with the scent of a skunk. You take a bath, you are clean but the stink is still there. While there is no visible letter to mark people with their sin today, like Hester’s letter ”A”, there is a stigma that people carry with them for a long time, possibly a lifetime. Hester shares a stigma along with a young lady embroiled in an affair with a sitting President of the United States. Monica Lewinsky was a White House intern for President Bill Clinton and they had an affair while he was in office (Fritsch). Her name is linked to President Clinton even though the affair happened while he was in the White House. Monica Lewinsky is not in the publics’ eyes as she once was but, she is still known for her adventure with the President (Keegan). As Herman Gorman points this out about Hester’s letter “A”, "… is an obsession, that possesses a terrible life of its own (Gorman 251).” This quote also fits Lewinsky as well. One has to wonder which carries the bigger problem, Hester or Monica. Hester’s stigma comes from the church, while Monica’s comes from the secular world. Should not the church be different from the world? It would appear that the stain of one’s sin stays with a person to haunt them. In the secular world this may run true, but the Christian community is told to be different that it should be a light to the world (Philippians 2:15).
The pressure of having the stigma may lead to seeking or being offered a deal to snare others that are involved in the wrong doing. This is what is given to Hester concerning her wearing of the scarlet “A”. Hester is told she will be allowed to remove the letter if she names the father of Pearl, the result of the adulteress affair (Hawthorn 176). Monica Lewinsky is offered immunity if she testifies against President Clinton to the grand jury investigating the scandal (Fritsch). Monica eventually works out a deal to testify against President Clinton after evidence arose that she may have committed perjury (Fritsch). Unlike Monica, Hester refuses to give the authorities the name of her accomplice (Hawthorn 176). This helps solidify her place in the town as the adulteress. One can only wonder had Monica been more like Hester what would have happened to the investigation. The threat of punishment had two different effects upon Hester and Monica. Yet, forgiveness is denied to both by the actions of the people around them.
Those involved in the wrong doing can hold onto the secret just like those who are caught, but doing so can have consequences. The Reverend Dimmesdale conceals the secret of who the other sinner is and it eats, not only at his soul, but his body also (Hawthorn 338). He grabs his chest throughout the novel. According to Van Doren it is “…relevant to the agony within (Van Doren 296).” He is torn inside because of this terrible deed and it manifests in his clutching of his chest. If he were to confess, he would be looking at possible death which Hester faced as well (Hawthorn 171). The fact that he could face such a harsh sentence it forces him to remain silent. According to Van Doren, the pain he felt was a sign of his penance for his crime (Van Doren 296). One of the ironic things the religious leaders must have missed is the story of an adulteress who was brought before Jesus and he was asked what should be done to her. At that time death by stoning was allowed. Jesus diffused the situation by stating, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (John 8:7).”
Pearl, the innocent offspring of the affair, is treated different because of her mother’s station in the community and the fact she is an illegitimate child (Hawthorn 205). Her treatment can be somewhat compared to the treatment of Chelsea Clinton during the Lewinsky Scandal that enveloped her father, President Clinton. Her parents tried to protect her from the media during this time but had problems, because of their status (“Chelsea Clinton”). Pearls’ actions are scrutinized by the community like the media attempted to delve into the private life of Chelsea (Hawthorn, 205) (“Chelsea Clinton”).
Sometimes the sin or transgression that is done upon another turns into hatred and then the hatred may spill over to other generations. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet not only does the feud carry over to the next generation, but has tragic consequence because of it. The story involves two young adults that fall in love with each other. Paul Siegal stated in an issue of Shakespeare Quarterly, "The love of Romeo and Juliet is opposed to the hate of their parents (385)." The only problem of their love for each other is the families, the Montagues and the Capulaets, have a hatred for each other (Shakespeare 12). The feud between the families runs deep; so much that a chance encounter on the street can lead to a fight (Shakespeare 13). Even though their families are at odds, Romeo and Juliet are in love and secretly wed. The hatred among the family is such that when a cousin of Juliet, Tybalt, meets Mercutio, a friend of Romeo, a fight ensues. Of all the players in this chain of events, Tybalt is the one who seems to hold the most hatred for Romeo's family. Siegal declares, "He claims his identity, as it were, as incarnation of the spirit of hatred governing the feud (386)." Even though Romeo tries to break up the fight and tell Tybalt that he holds no ill will of him. Tybalt kills Mercutio in the fight (Shakespeare160). Romeo's attempt to diffuse the fight even as Tybalt is determined to cause one shows, according to Siegal, the Christian thing to do (386). Then to make matters worse; Romeo, in a fit of rage, strikes back by killing Tybalt and is banished by the Prince, therefore nullifying his Christian act of forgiveness(Shakespeare161-165). Two people are dead do to a feud started by a previous generation and continued by Romeo and Tybalt. Forgiveness would have saved the life of two men at this point. Upon hearing of her cousins’ murder and her lovers’ banishment, Juliet becomes distraught. Unknowing of his daughter’s marriage to Romeo, her father gives his blessing to County Paris to marry Juliet (Shakespeare188). Eventually the chain of events leads to the suicides of both Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare 283,288). The reason for this according to Siegal, is that the hatred between the two families caused the tragic end (385). This heartbreaking conclusion does end the feud between the families with the fathers forgiving one another and lamenting the death of Romeo and Juliet, but it is too little too late (Shakespeare297-298). Had these men and their families practiced what they were taught by the Church then the resulting deaths would not have happened. It would only take the simply act of saying I forgive you, to have been like Jesus and Romeo and Juliet would be alive.
Those Christians that refuse to forgive can take notes and learn from some non-Christians the idea of forgiving transgressions, even if one is committed against them personally. The End of the Affair written by Graham Greene shows an example of how Christians should act and follows the teachings of Jesus. The character that shows the forgiveness quality that Jesus teaches is Henry Miles. According to Maurice Bendrix, Sara’s lover and narrator of the story, Henry has no religious belief. During the discussion of Sara's funeral, Maurice tells Henry, "(Sara)...didn't believe in anything, any more than you and I (Greene 170)”. While the Christian faith does not have a monopoly on forgiveness, a few of it members seem to forget they are called to do so by Jesus. If anything Henry had every right to be like Roger Chillingsworth in The Scarlett Letter, bitter and vengeful. Henry also takes about two years before he realizes that Sara is having an affair with Maurice. His reaction is to beg her not to leave him and tell her of his love for her (150). The love Henry has for Sara, his wife, allows him to forgive her and Maurice Although Maurice was involved in the affair with Henry's wife, Henry asks for Maurice to move in with him (208).
It motivates them to move forward in their lives. Roger has his hatred for the Rev. Dimmesdale and Maurice hated God and Henry. The only difference is Maurice is the lover, while Roger is the husband. Maurice in Greene’s The End of the Affair shares qualities with Roger of The Scarlett Letter in that they are driven by hatred. Roger for the Reverend Dimmesdale and Maurice for Henry. The difference is how that hate works on them and how they treat the ones they hate. Their distinctive reactions can be described by two things, the love for the women in their life and the type of forgiveness. In The Scarlet Letter, Roger, Hester's husband, is missing for two years before he was aware of her transgression and begins to seek out the person responsible for the shame that he feels. He begins to seek his vengeance upon Reverend Dimmesdale (Hawthorn 183). Maurice will not forgive Sara nor God for the pain he feels (Greene, 240). Maurice’s act of vengeances is to find the reason why Sara stopped seeing him. Learning in time to forgive Henry and accepts Henry as a cherished friend (Greene, 240).
The root of forgiving someone is clearly shown in all three novels; Hester toward Reverend Dimmesdale, Juliet towards Romeo and Sara towards God. All three had to forgive because of their love for another. Each realizes in their own way, that love make it a necessity to forgive. Although the Reverend Dimmesdale did not come forward on a number of occasions Hester forgives him. At least twice she proclaims her forgiveness, once in the woods when they meet (Hawthorn 292). She again forgives him while he lay dying when he confesses his sin (Hawthorn 292). Juliet forgives Romeo for murdering Tybalt even though at first she was angry (Shakespeare 190). She then realizes that the right thing to do is to forgive him because she loves him. Although Sara at first blames God for things that are wrong in her life, she soon realizes that God is telling her that she is worthy of love and she soon begins to realize that and makes her peace with him (Greene 116-152, 238).
Some of the characters live a life that is similar to that of Hillary Clinton and the role she has in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. In two interviews Senator Hillary Clinton discusses her having to forgive people, including Monica Lewinsky and her husband President Bill Clinton. Like Henry in The End of the Affair; Senator Clinton was cheated on by her husband. She also chose not to seek a divorce even though she asked herself, if she should stay married or not (Gibbs, 2003). Like Henry she has stayed with President Clinton (Greene 167). Senator Clinton can also be compared to Hester’s husband Roger Chillingsworth in The Scarlet Letter in that she too was cheated upon and was wronged. She speaks about how it is difficult to find out President Clinton has been unfaithful. She states, “It was certainly a terrible moment for me, to be told that what he had said to me was not true (Gibbs, 2003).” What made her forgive President Clinton? One has only to look at Juliet to see the same trait that she and Senator Clinton share. It was love. They loved enough to over look the pain inflicted upon them.
Death and forgiveness is a major point in all three novels. According to the Bible, " And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).” If a Christian truly believes that we are to be judged upon our death for our actions in this life; then one must wonder how they will defend their unforgiving spirit to God on Judgment day. Many Christians past and present need to learn that if they believe they are forgiven then they too should forgive. This includes a person who offends them and may not always be sorry. Senator Clinton stated it best, “It is both hard to forgive and ask for forgiveness there’s a reason it is talked about in the Bible. It is really hard. It is hard for people to let go of legitimate hurts and slights and disappointments (Luo).” I may not agree with Senator Clintons’ political views, but on spiritual side we seem to have a lot in common. It is hard to forgive when you’re in pain, but it better for all involved to do so. Waiting till after a death and then making an attempt to forgive, makes it difficult to feel as if the matter is resolved.
In conclusion, the act of forgiveness is a fundamental stone for the Christian faith and should be practiced at every turn, no matter the transgression. Having practiced the act of forgiveness and having received it myself, I know firsthand the benefits. Forgiving someone is not the easiest thing to do and is harder to accomplish in proportion to the amount of hurt one has afflicted on the other. There is not an exception mentioned in the Bible that allows one to hold on to the hurt and anger toward another. Forgetting is even harder to do, but should be tried. After all the meaning of Christianity means to follow Christ or be Christ like and according to the Bible Jesus takes our sin and "throws it as far from the east as is to the west (Psalms 103:12)".
Jesus not only taught forgiveness but led by example. Sometimes Christians have to forgive Christians. If they, Christians who seem to want to hold on to a grudge, would take care of their own backyard then maybe their light can shine and be a witness to the entire world. A recent poem that I ran across pointed something that most Christians never consider. It is called "The Feet of Judas” and it highlights what kind of forgiveness one should have. Judas’ betrayal leads eventually to the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus washes the feet of all his disciples including Judas. In the poem it states "Christ washed the feet of Judas! / And so ineffable his love 'twas meet, / That pity fill his forgiving heart/ And tenderly to wash the traitor's feet/ Who in his Lord had basely sold his part (McClellan 11-15).” If Jesus is the son of God and God knows all, then it can be induced that he knew what Judas would do and in scripture it indicates he does. This simple act speaks of the forgiveness all proclaimed Christians should follow. One of the last things Jesus said while he was on the cross was, “…Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)” Should not all who profess to be Christians ask that for their fellow Christians?
Works Cited
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Gibbs, Nancy. “I Had to Ask Myself Weather I Would Stay Married”. Time.7 June 2003. 14 October 2007 http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101030616-457332,00.html.
Gorman, Herbert. "The Absolved, The Redeemed, and the Damned: A Triangle." Hawthorn. The Scarlet Letter: An Annotated Text Backgrounds and Source Essays in Criticism. Ed. Sculley Bradley, Richmond Beatty and E. Hudson Long. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1962. 249-253.
Greene, Graham. The End of the Affair. New York: The Viking Press, 1951.
Hawthorn, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Novels. Ed.Millicent Bell. New York: The Library of America, 1983. 115-343.
Keegan, Rebecca Winters. "MONICA'S FREUDIAN TRIP." Time 166.12 (19 Sep. 2005): 83-83. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN. 1 October 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=18211984&site=ehost-live.
Luo, Michael. “Faith Intertwines With Political Life for Clinton”. New York Times on the Web.7 July 2007. 2007 October 2007 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/07/us/politics/07clinton.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.
McClellan, George Marion. “The Feet of Judas.” African-American Poetry of the Nineteenth Century. Ed. Joan R. Sherman. Chicago: University of Illinois Press. 1992, 419
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Ed. Horace Howard Furness. New York: Dover Publications, 1963.
Siegel, Paul N. "Christianity and the Religion of Love in Romeo and Juliet." Shakespeare Quarterly. 12.4 (1961): 371-392. JSTOR. Indiana University Southeast Lib.New Albany, IN. 15 oct.2007 http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0037-3222%28196123%2912%3A4%3C371%3ACATROL%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Z
The Holy Bible: King James Version.1611. New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1972.
Van Doren, Mark. "Between Two Worlds." Hawthorn. The Scarlet Letter: An Annotated Text
Backgrounds and Source Essays in Criticism. Ed. Sculley Bradley, Richmond Beatty and E. Hudson Long. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1962. 293-301.
Why Can’t Christians Forgive Christians
Literature Research Paper
Jesse Hall
10/15/2007
One of the novels that portray the problems associated with being unable to forgive among some Christian believers is Nathanial Hawthorn’s The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorn introduces us to the lead character Mrs. Hester Prynne. Hester is convicted of adultery and is condemned to wear a scarlet letter “A” upon on her chest for the rest of her life (173). Hawthorn describes Hester’s’ life after her conviction of adultery and the effect upon her life. He also shows how the result of the sin and the punishment effects her daughter Pearl and the Reverend Dimmesdale. Another consequence that is brought out by Hawthorn is that of not forgiving someone and seeking revenge for the wrong which affected her husband, Roger Chillingworth. The condemnation of Hester and the Christian leadership’s refusal to allow repentance of her sin caused the hardship that follows Hester and the other characters.
Hawthorn describes the treatment of Hester by others in the town people and the visitors of the town, due to her having to wear the scarlet letter (205). The scarlet letter “A” is the mark of Hester's great sin of adultery and is a constant reminder to all who see it (191). It is a stigma to her. Much like today, when someone makes a mistake, it characterizes them for the rest of their lives. Christian or not, the stigma sticks on the transgressor, comparable to being sprayed with the scent of a skunk. You take a bath, you are clean but the stink is still there. While there is no visible letter to mark people with their sin today, like Hester’s letter ”A”, there is a stigma that people carry with them for a long time, possibly a lifetime. Hester shares a stigma along with a young lady embroiled in an affair with a sitting President of the United States. Monica Lewinsky was a White House intern for President Bill Clinton and they had an affair while he was in office (Fritsch). Her name is linked to President Clinton even though the affair happened while he was in the White House. Monica Lewinsky is not in the publics’ eyes as she once was but, she is still known for her adventure with the President (Keegan). As Herman Gorman points this out about Hester’s letter “A”, "… is an obsession, that possesses a terrible life of its own (Gorman 251).” This quote also fits Lewinsky as well. One has to wonder which carries the bigger problem, Hester or Monica. Hester’s stigma comes from the church, while Monica’s comes from the secular world. Should not the church be different from the world? It would appear that the stain of one’s sin stays with a person to haunt them. In the secular world this may run true, but the Christian community is told to be different that it should be a light to the world (Philippians 2:15).
The pressure of having the stigma may lead to seeking or being offered a deal to snare others that are involved in the wrong doing. This is what is given to Hester concerning her wearing of the scarlet “A”. Hester is told she will be allowed to remove the letter if she names the father of Pearl, the result of the adulteress affair (Hawthorn 176). Monica Lewinsky is offered immunity if she testifies against President Clinton to the grand jury investigating the scandal (Fritsch). Monica eventually works out a deal to testify against President Clinton after evidence arose that she may have committed perjury (Fritsch). Unlike Monica, Hester refuses to give the authorities the name of her accomplice (Hawthorn 176). This helps solidify her place in the town as the adulteress. One can only wonder had Monica been more like Hester what would have happened to the investigation. The threat of punishment had two different effects upon Hester and Monica. Yet, forgiveness is denied to both by the actions of the people around them.
Those involved in the wrong doing can hold onto the secret just like those who are caught, but doing so can have consequences. The Reverend Dimmesdale conceals the secret of who the other sinner is and it eats, not only at his soul, but his body also (Hawthorn 338). He grabs his chest throughout the novel. According to Van Doren it is “…relevant to the agony within (Van Doren 296).” He is torn inside because of this terrible deed and it manifests in his clutching of his chest. If he were to confess, he would be looking at possible death which Hester faced as well (Hawthorn 171). The fact that he could face such a harsh sentence it forces him to remain silent. According to Van Doren, the pain he felt was a sign of his penance for his crime (Van Doren 296). One of the ironic things the religious leaders must have missed is the story of an adulteress who was brought before Jesus and he was asked what should be done to her. At that time death by stoning was allowed. Jesus diffused the situation by stating, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (John 8:7).”
Pearl, the innocent offspring of the affair, is treated different because of her mother’s station in the community and the fact she is an illegitimate child (Hawthorn 205). Her treatment can be somewhat compared to the treatment of Chelsea Clinton during the Lewinsky Scandal that enveloped her father, President Clinton. Her parents tried to protect her from the media during this time but had problems, because of their status (“Chelsea Clinton”). Pearls’ actions are scrutinized by the community like the media attempted to delve into the private life of Chelsea (Hawthorn, 205) (“Chelsea Clinton”).
Sometimes the sin or transgression that is done upon another turns into hatred and then the hatred may spill over to other generations. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet not only does the feud carry over to the next generation, but has tragic consequence because of it. The story involves two young adults that fall in love with each other. Paul Siegal stated in an issue of Shakespeare Quarterly, "The love of Romeo and Juliet is opposed to the hate of their parents (385)." The only problem of their love for each other is the families, the Montagues and the Capulaets, have a hatred for each other (Shakespeare 12). The feud between the families runs deep; so much that a chance encounter on the street can lead to a fight (Shakespeare 13). Even though their families are at odds, Romeo and Juliet are in love and secretly wed. The hatred among the family is such that when a cousin of Juliet, Tybalt, meets Mercutio, a friend of Romeo, a fight ensues. Of all the players in this chain of events, Tybalt is the one who seems to hold the most hatred for Romeo's family. Siegal declares, "He claims his identity, as it were, as incarnation of the spirit of hatred governing the feud (386)." Even though Romeo tries to break up the fight and tell Tybalt that he holds no ill will of him. Tybalt kills Mercutio in the fight (Shakespeare160). Romeo's attempt to diffuse the fight even as Tybalt is determined to cause one shows, according to Siegal, the Christian thing to do (386). Then to make matters worse; Romeo, in a fit of rage, strikes back by killing Tybalt and is banished by the Prince, therefore nullifying his Christian act of forgiveness(Shakespeare161-165). Two people are dead do to a feud started by a previous generation and continued by Romeo and Tybalt. Forgiveness would have saved the life of two men at this point. Upon hearing of her cousins’ murder and her lovers’ banishment, Juliet becomes distraught. Unknowing of his daughter’s marriage to Romeo, her father gives his blessing to County Paris to marry Juliet (Shakespeare188). Eventually the chain of events leads to the suicides of both Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare 283,288). The reason for this according to Siegal, is that the hatred between the two families caused the tragic end (385). This heartbreaking conclusion does end the feud between the families with the fathers forgiving one another and lamenting the death of Romeo and Juliet, but it is too little too late (Shakespeare297-298). Had these men and their families practiced what they were taught by the Church then the resulting deaths would not have happened. It would only take the simply act of saying I forgive you, to have been like Jesus and Romeo and Juliet would be alive.
Those Christians that refuse to forgive can take notes and learn from some non-Christians the idea of forgiving transgressions, even if one is committed against them personally. The End of the Affair written by Graham Greene shows an example of how Christians should act and follows the teachings of Jesus. The character that shows the forgiveness quality that Jesus teaches is Henry Miles. According to Maurice Bendrix, Sara’s lover and narrator of the story, Henry has no religious belief. During the discussion of Sara's funeral, Maurice tells Henry, "(Sara)...didn't believe in anything, any more than you and I (Greene 170)”. While the Christian faith does not have a monopoly on forgiveness, a few of it members seem to forget they are called to do so by Jesus. If anything Henry had every right to be like Roger Chillingsworth in The Scarlett Letter, bitter and vengeful. Henry also takes about two years before he realizes that Sara is having an affair with Maurice. His reaction is to beg her not to leave him and tell her of his love for her (150). The love Henry has for Sara, his wife, allows him to forgive her and Maurice Although Maurice was involved in the affair with Henry's wife, Henry asks for Maurice to move in with him (208).
It motivates them to move forward in their lives. Roger has his hatred for the Rev. Dimmesdale and Maurice hated God and Henry. The only difference is Maurice is the lover, while Roger is the husband. Maurice in Greene’s The End of the Affair shares qualities with Roger of The Scarlett Letter in that they are driven by hatred. Roger for the Reverend Dimmesdale and Maurice for Henry. The difference is how that hate works on them and how they treat the ones they hate. Their distinctive reactions can be described by two things, the love for the women in their life and the type of forgiveness. In The Scarlet Letter, Roger, Hester's husband, is missing for two years before he was aware of her transgression and begins to seek out the person responsible for the shame that he feels. He begins to seek his vengeance upon Reverend Dimmesdale (Hawthorn 183). Maurice will not forgive Sara nor God for the pain he feels (Greene, 240). Maurice’s act of vengeances is to find the reason why Sara stopped seeing him. Learning in time to forgive Henry and accepts Henry as a cherished friend (Greene, 240).
The root of forgiving someone is clearly shown in all three novels; Hester toward Reverend Dimmesdale, Juliet towards Romeo and Sara towards God. All three had to forgive because of their love for another. Each realizes in their own way, that love make it a necessity to forgive. Although the Reverend Dimmesdale did not come forward on a number of occasions Hester forgives him. At least twice she proclaims her forgiveness, once in the woods when they meet (Hawthorn 292). She again forgives him while he lay dying when he confesses his sin (Hawthorn 292). Juliet forgives Romeo for murdering Tybalt even though at first she was angry (Shakespeare 190). She then realizes that the right thing to do is to forgive him because she loves him. Although Sara at first blames God for things that are wrong in her life, she soon realizes that God is telling her that she is worthy of love and she soon begins to realize that and makes her peace with him (Greene 116-152, 238).
Some of the characters live a life that is similar to that of Hillary Clinton and the role she has in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. In two interviews Senator Hillary Clinton discusses her having to forgive people, including Monica Lewinsky and her husband President Bill Clinton. Like Henry in The End of the Affair; Senator Clinton was cheated on by her husband. She also chose not to seek a divorce even though she asked herself, if she should stay married or not (Gibbs, 2003). Like Henry she has stayed with President Clinton (Greene 167). Senator Clinton can also be compared to Hester’s husband Roger Chillingsworth in The Scarlet Letter in that she too was cheated upon and was wronged. She speaks about how it is difficult to find out President Clinton has been unfaithful. She states, “It was certainly a terrible moment for me, to be told that what he had said to me was not true (Gibbs, 2003).” What made her forgive President Clinton? One has only to look at Juliet to see the same trait that she and Senator Clinton share. It was love. They loved enough to over look the pain inflicted upon them.
Death and forgiveness is a major point in all three novels. According to the Bible, " And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).” If a Christian truly believes that we are to be judged upon our death for our actions in this life; then one must wonder how they will defend their unforgiving spirit to God on Judgment day. Many Christians past and present need to learn that if they believe they are forgiven then they too should forgive. This includes a person who offends them and may not always be sorry. Senator Clinton stated it best, “It is both hard to forgive and ask for forgiveness there’s a reason it is talked about in the Bible. It is really hard. It is hard for people to let go of legitimate hurts and slights and disappointments (Luo).” I may not agree with Senator Clintons’ political views, but on spiritual side we seem to have a lot in common. It is hard to forgive when you’re in pain, but it better for all involved to do so. Waiting till after a death and then making an attempt to forgive, makes it difficult to feel as if the matter is resolved.
In conclusion, the act of forgiveness is a fundamental stone for the Christian faith and should be practiced at every turn, no matter the transgression. Having practiced the act of forgiveness and having received it myself, I know firsthand the benefits. Forgiving someone is not the easiest thing to do and is harder to accomplish in proportion to the amount of hurt one has afflicted on the other. There is not an exception mentioned in the Bible that allows one to hold on to the hurt and anger toward another. Forgetting is even harder to do, but should be tried. After all the meaning of Christianity means to follow Christ or be Christ like and according to the Bible Jesus takes our sin and "throws it as far from the east as is to the west (Psalms 103:12)".
Jesus not only taught forgiveness but led by example. Sometimes Christians have to forgive Christians. If they, Christians who seem to want to hold on to a grudge, would take care of their own backyard then maybe their light can shine and be a witness to the entire world. A recent poem that I ran across pointed something that most Christians never consider. It is called "The Feet of Judas” and it highlights what kind of forgiveness one should have. Judas’ betrayal leads eventually to the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus washes the feet of all his disciples including Judas. In the poem it states "Christ washed the feet of Judas! / And so ineffable his love 'twas meet, / That pity fill his forgiving heart/ And tenderly to wash the traitor's feet/ Who in his Lord had basely sold his part (McClellan 11-15).” If Jesus is the son of God and God knows all, then it can be induced that he knew what Judas would do and in scripture it indicates he does. This simple act speaks of the forgiveness all proclaimed Christians should follow. One of the last things Jesus said while he was on the cross was, “…Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)” Should not all who profess to be Christians ask that for their fellow Christians?
Works Cited
"Chelsea Clinton, cover girl." Editor & Publisher 132.7 (13 Feb. 1999): 22. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN. 15 October 2007.
Fritsch, Jane. "Facts and Rumors: The Nation Trust Me: A Media Guide.” New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 1 Feb. 1998, 1-2. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. IUS Library, New Albany, Indiana. 14 Oct. 2007 http://www.proquest.com/
Gibbs, Nancy. “I Had to Ask Myself Weather I Would Stay Married”. Time.7 June 2003. 14 October 2007 http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101030616-457332,00.html.
Gorman, Herbert. "The Absolved, The Redeemed, and the Damned: A Triangle." Hawthorn. The Scarlet Letter: An Annotated Text Backgrounds and Source Essays in Criticism. Ed. Sculley Bradley, Richmond Beatty and E. Hudson Long. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1962. 249-253.
Greene, Graham. The End of the Affair. New York: The Viking Press, 1951.
Hawthorn, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Novels. Ed.Millicent Bell. New York: The Library of America, 1983. 115-343.
Keegan, Rebecca Winters. "MONICA'S FREUDIAN TRIP." Time 166.12 (19 Sep. 2005): 83-83. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN. 1 October 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=18211984&site=ehost-live.
Luo, Michael. “Faith Intertwines With Political Life for Clinton”. New York Times on the Web.7 July 2007. 2007 October 2007 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/07/us/politics/07clinton.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.
McClellan, George Marion. “The Feet of Judas.” African-American Poetry of the Nineteenth Century. Ed. Joan R. Sherman. Chicago: University of Illinois Press. 1992, 419
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Ed. Horace Howard Furness. New York: Dover Publications, 1963.
Siegel, Paul N. "Christianity and the Religion of Love in Romeo and Juliet." Shakespeare Quarterly. 12.4 (1961): 371-392. JSTOR. Indiana University Southeast Lib.New Albany, IN. 15 oct.2007 http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0037-3222%28196123%2912%3A4%3C371%3ACATROL%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Z
The Holy Bible: King James Version.1611. New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1972.
Van Doren, Mark. "Between Two Worlds." Hawthorn. The Scarlet Letter: An Annotated Text
Backgrounds and Source Essays in Criticism. Ed. Sculley Bradley, Richmond Beatty and E. Hudson Long. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1962. 293-301.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Hello
Hi, Folks just wanted to give you a quick update. I am doing okay in school and all. I will be posting a paper I had to do for a class it on forgivness within the chrurch. It be just a couple more weeks. Till then take care.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sorry
Folks just droping a line to let you know I am still working on the fornification story. I have a lot to say in it and I have to find the right way to say it. What I mean to that is that I have to say it so that you can understand it. I also had to understand it first, so I have been praying and pondering it for a while. I also started back to school so I have been a little busy. Look fo rit in the next few days, if all goes as planned. God bless and thank you.
Jesse
Jesse
Sunday, August 12, 2007
What is sin? pt 1 Fornication
Why am I starting with this sin? the answer is well easy. I am guilty of it. I am completely guilty of this sin. So if I am guilty of it, I need to learn what it is and deal with it.
Let us first look at the Merriam- Webster definition.
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/fornication
Pronunciation: "for-n&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun:
consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other --
There it is in all it glory. Not much to real say is there? I wont go futher into it. You probly saying it took you this long?
Yes
Why?
There is alot of other things people have read into this. I had to ask myself a lot of questions. Here is what I found. Kristine and I was in a sinful relationship before we ever got married. It was wrong. I see that now. I had to seek forgiveness from God for that and there more to just saying I am sorry and going on. I needed to talk to God about it. I need to know what to say here. So sexual sin is rampet to day within the church. It HAS TO STOP! This message is for people who are in church.
It is time the church cleaned itself up. It can not point out sin when it self is covered in it. Not only are people tired of seeing two faced people but so is God!
I am going to answer a question that that took me so long. Can a man and woman live together?
The answer is yes and no. If they are not involved with each other, they could possible be able to live together. What that means they are not a couple that they live in separate rooms and do their own thing. Then they probably could live together and be fine.
Yet, if they are a couple then no. There is to much temptation there. Especially if there is not enough bedrooms for the occupancy of the house.
Best bet don't do either. God tells us to avoid anything that looks like it may be sinful. If we don't it makes him look bad and your a hypocrite.
Now this is for the church more than any thing when will you get your act together?
Let us first look at the Merriam- Webster definition.
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/fornication
Pronunciation: "for-n&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun:
consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other --
There it is in all it glory. Not much to real say is there? I wont go futher into it. You probly saying it took you this long?
Yes
Why?
There is alot of other things people have read into this. I had to ask myself a lot of questions. Here is what I found. Kristine and I was in a sinful relationship before we ever got married. It was wrong. I see that now. I had to seek forgiveness from God for that and there more to just saying I am sorry and going on. I needed to talk to God about it. I need to know what to say here. So sexual sin is rampet to day within the church. It HAS TO STOP! This message is for people who are in church.
It is time the church cleaned itself up. It can not point out sin when it self is covered in it. Not only are people tired of seeing two faced people but so is God!
I am going to answer a question that that took me so long. Can a man and woman live together?
The answer is yes and no. If they are not involved with each other, they could possible be able to live together. What that means they are not a couple that they live in separate rooms and do their own thing. Then they probably could live together and be fine.
Yet, if they are a couple then no. There is to much temptation there. Especially if there is not enough bedrooms for the occupancy of the house.
Best bet don't do either. God tells us to avoid anything that looks like it may be sinful. If we don't it makes him look bad and your a hypocrite.
Now this is for the church more than any thing when will you get your act together?
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