To forgive is divine
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Jesus in Matthew 6:12
“To err is human, to forgive is divine,” said Alexander Pope, reflecting the centrality of forgiveness in Jesus’ prayer and teaching. But Jesus’ teaching of forgiveness was not new. Psalmists praised God for putting people’s sins “as far as the east is from the west” and “remembering sins no more.” Forgiveness is central to all the world’s great religions, for people cannot live in peace and harmony without forgiveness.
Forgiveness does not mean excusing, overlooking or being soft on crime. Forgiveness involves accountability, a U-turn (repentance), restoration, and restitution where possible.
Our country could benefit from more forgiveness. Reuben Miller, author, sociologist and prison chaplain, notes that before the 1970’s, the goal of the criminal justice system was rehabilitation and restoration, with prisons providing resources and programs for rebuilding lives. After the passage of Civil Rights legislation the goal of the system became disenfranchisement of prisoners to benefit for-profit prison corporations. Many programs and resources for rebuilding lives are no longer available to prisoners. Prisoners’ basic needs are not met, making it necessary for them to ask for financial assistance from family and friends — which impoverishes prisoners’ families and communities.
In his book, “The ‘After Life’ of Mass Incarceration,” Reuben Miller notes the continued punishment experienced by the formerly imprisoned after their release. Those who committed crimes — even in youth — are labeled for life, making it difficult to get credit, find jobs, housing or places of worship. This “forever imprisonment” tells the story of cultural unforgiveness in our country.
What, then, might a culture of forgiveness look like? Many communities are replacing “forever imprisonment” with restorative justice. Restorative justice promotes public safety, improves communities, saves lives and costs by addressing the underlying causes of crime such as inequality, unemployment, homelessness, hunger and lack of access to health care. An estimated 72% of crimes involve substance abuse and mental health issues. Restoration centers staffed with mental health professionals are equipped to meet these needs.
In recent years great advances have been made in restoring lives by people like Dr. Daniel Amen, author of “The End of Mental Illness.” Brain imaging, neurological evaluation, treatment and life coaching can put those who err on a path to healthy and responsible citizenship.
The divine concept of forgiveness can transform a forever-punishment system into a restorative justice system — and reflect the ethics upon which our country was founded.
The reverend Celia M. Hastings has a masters degree in religious education from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. She is author of “The Wisdom Series” and “The Undertaker’s Wife.”
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: To forgive is divine
