Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness
Even thought it sounds somewhat like a cliche, it is also true that suffering is part of human life. For some, however, suffering is so extreme that little sense can be attached to it, especially while suffering is ongoing. One example of such extreme suffering is that of the Jews at the hands of the Nazi's during World War II. Much has been written and said in response to these events by both Jews and non-Jews. One of the most compelling reflections on the events is Simon Wiesenthal's The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness. The focus point of this book is an event during the author's stay in a Nazi concentration camp. On his way to a work detail, he is taken from the ranks to hear the confession of a dying Nazi soldier. At the end of the narrative, Wiesenthal invites responses to his actions and decisions. The book ends with numerous responses from philosophers, theologians, leaders, and others.
Central to the book is Wiesenthal's silence in response to the soldier's request for forgiveness. Within the context of the author's suffering of the time, this response makes sense. The symbol of the sunflower,...
Forgiveness and Personality The impact that personality has on the ability to forgive has been a topic of much debate for many years. Many experts believe that certain personality traits can make an individual more susceptible to forgiveness. The purpose of this discussion is to examine whether or not any personality seems to be more forgiving of self and others than other personalities. The investigation will also explore the type of
Expressions of the Word living with us, such as that in Luke 23: 34 nourish one's spirit. Jesus' prayer for forgiveness for those who crucified Him mirrors sustenance that fuels healing and love. In His death, Jesus models the way God does things; the way He shows his love; His forgiveness. Grace, God's unmerited favor, extends not only to those who crucified Him centuries ago; it forgives those today
There are situations where the individual does not feel forgiving at any level and where the only real result of any decision or process would lead only to repression of true feelings. Instead of the author's formulation, I would propose that, subject only to the requirement that the individual actually has a genuine desire to forgive, the road to forgiveness can be through a decision, or through a process, or
In your own words, explain the concept of mediation and demonstrate the role a mediator plays in conflict management. In the given scenario above, evaluate and discuss whether a third party should intervene. Explain your response. Mediation calls for an objective third party to provide a reasonable perspective, a controlling influence and a sense of compromise to an otherwise rancorous situation. With respect to conflict management, it is incumbent upon the
Forgiveness: A perception and motivation study among married adults, Orathinkal, Vanseenwegen and Burggraeve (2008) explore the manifestation and effects of forgiveness in intimate relationships. The paper begins by stressing recent interest among mental health experts in forgiveness. A discussion of related terms such as reconciliation, excuse and exoneration follows. The focus of the paper is on forgiveness for "interpersonal violations" such as physical attack, infidelity and incest. Research supports
169). Therefore, given the tight-knit quality of most marital relationships, anything short of absolute forgiveness will inevitably result in harbored resentment, anger and hostility. Some types of offenses are not easily forgiven, of course, and marital infidelity certainly ranks among them, but negative reactions in response to even the most egregious offenses can be forgiven if certain conditions are satisfied. For example, Welton and his associates cite the need
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