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Love in the Supreme Ethics

Thursday 17 August 2017

FORGIVEN TO FORGIVE



Forgiveness is central in Christian ethics and is a frequent topic in sermons and theological works. It is considered a duty of Christians to forgive unconditionally.

Despite the rejection by scholars like, Charles L. Griswold, Forgiveness: A Philosophical Exploration, traditional belief is being strongly endorsed by thinkers like Hannah Arendt that forgiveness is exclusively a Judeo-Christian as opposed to the pagan idea. In her book, The human condition, the German Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt remarked that Jesus of Nazareth 'was the discoverer of the role of forgiveness in human affairs'. According to Arendt, we need forgiveness in human affairs for it is the remedy for the irreversibility of human action; it frees us from not being haunted and consequently paralysed by our past actions and it liberates us for future positive action. 

She comments:

Without being forgiven, released from the consequences of what we have done, our capacity to act would, as it were, be confined to one single deed from which we can never recover; we would remain the victims of its consequences forever (Arendt 1998:237)

Christopher R. Allers, Marieke Smit (eds.) Forgiveness in Perspective, xiii
Forgiveness is a concept, a practice, and a claim made upon us that springs from the heritage of Abraham. While it may be true that sungnome  in Plato and Aristotle may amount some type of proto-forgiveness or at least judicial pardon, it neither played significant role in their thought no did it as fecund as the forgiveness of the Judaeo-christian tradition.  

Two types of forgiveness appear in the Bible: God's forgiveness of our sins, and our obligation to forgive others. This topic is so vital that our eternal destiny hangs on it. The Bible is one long story of how God reaches out to show His love and forgiveness to mankind. In Genesis 3:15 God gives His first promise of a Redeemer who would forgive the world of their sin. Bible encapsulates various stories demonstrating forgiveness.

Find out some time to read these:
  • Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25, 27, 32, 33) Forgiveness Bible Story
  • Joseph (Genesis 37-50) Forgiveness Among Brothers
  • David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) Another Great Bible Story About Forgiveness
  • Prodigal Son (Luke 15) Forgiving Bible Story Between A Father and a Son
  • Woman Taken in Adultery (John 8) A Bible Story Where Jesus Examples Forgiveness
  • Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35).

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the importance of Christians forgiving. Jesus used the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) to say that we should forgive without parameters. The Story of the Prodigal Son is possibly the best known parable about forgiveness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus frequently delivered talks on forgiveness, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember…First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23-24 "And when you stand praying…forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:25 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies…turn to him the other also." Luke 6:27-29 "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:36 "Do not judge…forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37. "Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21-22. "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'" Jesus forgave His murderers Luke 23: 34.

Considering Mark 11:25 above, and Matthew 6:14–15, that follows the Lord's Prayer, "For if you don’t forgive men…your Father will not forgive your sins…" Forgiveness is not an option to a Christian, rather one must Forgive to be a Christian.

What forgiveness is not?

Forgiveness as such is (as with many other such value concepts) difficult to define, and McCullough and Witvliet (2005:447) go about the problem by firstly distinguishing it from other concepts, in other words, what forgiveness is not:

It is not pardoning, which is a legal notion.
It is not condoning, which validates the wrong done.
It is not excusing, which holds that extenuating circumstances led to certain act.
It is not forgetting, which infers the slipping out of memory.
It is not denial, which relentlessly does not identify the wrongfulness of an act.
It is not reconciliation, which denotes to the refurbishment of a wrecked rapport.

Forgiveness and Physical Health 

Un-forgiveness is categorized in medical books as a disease. According to Dr. Steven Standiford, chief of surgery at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, refusing to forgive makes people sick and keeps them that way. With that in mind, forgiveness therapy is now being used to help treat diseases, such as cancer. 

Robert Wuthnow, (2000-01-01). "How Religious Groups Promote Forgiving: A National Study", Survey data from 2000 revealed that 61% of contestants that were part of a small religious group informed that the group helped them be more forgiving. Individuals reported that their religion groups which encourage forgiveness was connected to self-reports of success in overcoming addictions, guilt, and perceiving encouragement when feeling dispirited.

According to a recent study in the Journal of Health Psychology, conducted by researchers from Luther College, the University of California, Davis and the University of California, Los Angeles, having the trait of forgiveness, unconventionally, foretells positive mental and physical health, In addition, researchers found that forgivingness seemed to protect against stress's negative effects on mental health.

A positive argument for the prospect for forgiveness in a broader political context is that its uttered and practised by Nelson Mandela, the former South African president, who in his own lifetime reached almost iconic eminence. The absence of bitterness and forgiving behaviour in his life after being released after 27 years in prison impressed especially whites in South Africa and backed much to the fact that they accepted and even flourished in the new political dispensation. When asked about his secret for forgiving, Mandela answered, 

 “If I had not forgiven I would still be in prison, and this life is too short to be bitter.”

Why People Can’t Forgive?

Once I said when demanded to forgive the one hurt me, "You don't know what he did to me! I just can't let it go, even though I know of forgiving!" I literally said this. But now I’m trying to change myself gradually. If this is your story as well, Dear, then you need to scan yourself closely as to why you would keep this lethal spiritual poison running through your veins. Here are five reasons why some people don’t:
  • They don't value the relationship they are in. 
  • They are afraid to forgive because of the fear of called weak and powerless by others. This is the most common reason among those who have been hurt before. 
  • They won't forgive because arrogance keeps them away from finding place in God. 
  • They won't forgive because they don't recognize the harm it does to their spirit and body.
  • They don’t forgive because power of sin stops them. 

I have come across the situation where it becomes extremely difficult to forgive others especially when you are angry. Therefore, prime reason might be holding on to the anger that may be related with an occurrence or experience that causes us hurt, can lead to hate, and possibly a lingering want for revenge.  This is vicious and causes an emotional drain on us even if we don’t apprehend it.

Dr. Michael Obsatz, in his book, Healing Our Anger: Seven Ways to Make Peace in a Hostile World indicates that there are eight types of anger (page 12).  These include:
  • Chronic anger is an ongoing feeling of resentment toward others.
  • Volatile anger is explosive but comes and goes.
  • Judgmental anger comes across in hypercritical statements.
  • Passive anger is suppressed anger that is expressed indirectly.
  • Overwhelmed anger arises when people believe they cannot handle                                       the complexity of their circumstances.
  • Retaliatory anger is specifically directed at another person or persons.
  • Self-inflicted anger is directed at ourselves.
  • Constructive anger is anger we put to positive uses.

With exception of this last type, most of these angers are destructive.

Forgiveness and Spiritual Health 

Same as physical, un-forgiveness has fatal negative results for your spiritual health. Any believer in Christ who houses an unforgiving attitude is on unsafe ground. You may wonder how it can harm you. Bible tells us its fatal consequences. 

  • It calls the wrath of God and makes Him to hand you over to tormentors. Pro.11:21.
  • It brings the fruit of evil deeds done to your offender upon you. Matt.18:30-34; Eccl.12:14.
  • It averts you from being benefited from the cleansing power of Jesus. 1 Jn.1:7-9.
  • It obstructs answers to prayer. Matt.6:15.
  • It may restrict one to receive Christ's forgiveness. 
These days a lot of people tend be much concerned about their physical health but very little care about spiritual health. Here is the warning for if you are that person. Spiritual ill-health will eventually result in temporary/eternal damnation. 


Benefits of Forgiveness

Forgiving behavior can be extremely beneficial, only if one realizes. While it has many benefits, here, I would enlist a few:
  • Keeps your heart healthy

Forgiveness is good for the heart, literally. One study proposes that people who hold on to grudges tend to have faster heart rates than those who are empathetic and able to forgive.

  • Lowers stress levels

According to a study done by Hope College reseachers, one of the benefits of forgiveness is that it lesser the amount of cortisol. Researchers examined 71 partakers and their physical responses when they spoke about grudges as opposed to when they spoke about forgiveness and empathy. Those who displayed more forgiving outlooks had lower physiological stress responses.
  • Lowers pain

Having a forgiving heart may lower both emotional and physical pain, according to a study done by Duke University Medical Center researchers. Out of 61 participants who suffered from chronic back pain, those who were more likely to forgive reported lower levels of pain. Thus there is a relationship that appears to exist between forgiveness and persistent pain.”
  • Lowers blood pressure

Letting go of that anger you’ve been sheltering might lower your blood pressure. Studies show that forgiveness is linked to lower blood pressure.
  • Restores a Healthy Relationship with Creator
Whether anyone realizes it or not, we daily need God's forgiveness. We are in sinful body and time and time again we wrong against God. If we don'forgive our offenders we don't possess any right to be forgiven by the ONE we have offended.  

Saints, we must understand this: the only person unforgiveness hurts is the unforgiver!!!

Forgiveness is an attribute of God that we are consistently taught in the Bible that we too can demonstrate to others. True forgiveness is easier said than done. It can be difficult, especially if someone really dismayed you in a way that opposed your values and morals. However, it’s quite essential to remember that holding that grudge is not going to fix anything. That hot coal you’re holding onto is just burning yourself and will eventually result in separation from Creator. Let's not forget we are forgiven to forgive. 


In The Sunflower, Simon Wiesenthal writes of an incident that occurred during the time he was a concentration camp inmate. One day, he and his work detail were sent to clean medical waste at a converted army hospital for wounded German soldiers. As they worked, a nurse came up to Simon and asked, "Are you a Jew?" When he answered "Yes," she took him into the hospital building, to the bedside of Karl, a 21-year old dying Nazi soldier. This soldier tells the story of his part in killing millions of Jews is Nazi camps. And wanted forgiveness from a Jew before his spirit leaves his body. After narrating whole story, soldier begs for Simon’s forgiveness with tears so that he can die peacefully guiltless. However, Simon left the room without a word. When his group returned to the hospital the next day, the same nurse came to Simon and told him that Karl had died...more


Interesting stories of forgiveness: 





Image Credits: 

https://sandivand.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/forgiveness_wordle.jpg 
http://images.christianpost.com/ipost/full/7417/unforgiveness.jpg 

Monday 7 August 2017

THE FESTIVAL OF RAKHI: A REFLECTION


As I opened my eyes with the finishing of our morning family prayer today, I found a girl waiting for me from our vicinity with a plate holding rakhi and some sweets. 

Raksha Bandhan is a widespread Hindu festival which celebrates the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. This date on which Raksha Bandhan falls this year is 7th of August, which is today. Raksha Bandhan is the celebration where the sisters tie (raakhi) a special cord known around the wrist of Brothers. On this auspicious day brothers make a promise to their sisters to protect them from all harms and troubles. In Sanskrit language the meaning of Raksha Bandhan is a bond of protection. This festival falls on the full moon day. Raksha Bandhan is refered to as Vish Tarak, Punya Pradayak and Pap Nashak. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads and decorated with sequins and studded with semi precious stones. On this day people make tasty dishes and sweets at home and exchange gifts.

Beside many other myths and legends the story from Bhavishya Purana is largely accepted as a basis for this festival. According to Bhavishya Purana, in the war between Gods and demons, Indra (the deity of sky, rains and thunderbolts) was humiliated by the dominant demon King Bali. Indra’s wife Sachi consulted Vishnu, who gave her a bracelet made of cotton thread, calling it holy. Sachi tied the holy thread around Indra wrist, blessed with her prayers for his wellbeing and triumph. Indra successfully overpowered the Bali and recovered Amaravati. This story stirred the protective power of holy thread. The story also suggests that the Raksha Bandhan thread in ancient India were amulets, used by women as prayers and to guard men going to war, and that these threads were not limited to sister-brother like relationships.

Indian history also have instances where some queens have sent rakhis to kings belonging to other kingdoms and the kings in turn offered their help and protection to their rakhi sisters. History has it that the Hindu King Porus refrained from striking Alexander the great because the Alexanders wife had tied a Rakhi on his hand and made him her Rakhi Brother. In great epic Mahabharata Krishna advises Yudhishtir to tie the Rakhi to guard himself against evil forces. In this epic Kunti ties rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu and Draupadi ties to lord Krishna.

However, looking at all these said traditions, though this festival’s initial practice started with wives or mother tying the holy thread with time how the festival came to get limited between the bond of brother and sister is still a critical question left unanswered by followers. 
So the first reason for the obvious conclusion would be that the practice of rakhi (between brother and sister) has no religious significance.

And the second reason for such conclusion is that the rakhi bounded by Indra’s wife was not to protect the one who is binding it (Wife of Indra) but to protect the one is being bounded with (Indra). Whereas today the one who is being bound (brother) has to protect the one who binds it (sister). This is another paradox within Hindu mythology, again, left with no explanation, thus, another reason for aforementioned conclusion.

Thus, raakhi, more than a religious significance holds a cultural significance in itself. And of course conveys some good meanings and nurtures the bond of affection between brothers and sisters.

And media holds its own monetary reasons behind publicizing spirit of such festivals along side business community. They have nothing to do with the meaning of any festival but work only for their sells to increase.   

However, most importantly, its highly ironical in India to see it as a country where such festival are celebrated with much piety and joy in every rural and urban corners of its religions has ever increasing number of crimes and violence against women as compared to other countries that don’t have such charlatan festivals. Past years had made India in the hit list among rape countries and in future it can again find it’s place even higher. It simply means males honour own sisters and dishonours others’ simultaneously. This is plain portrayal of the extreme form of hypocrisy in the matrix of Indian chauvinistic patriarchal nexus towards women. On the one hand Indians are known for externally signifying every human relation with religious identity (myth) and divinizing womanhood in every possible design human mind can conceive and on the other hand perpetrating gravest crime towards the same with very little or no preventive measures by the state or society.  

Before it’s too late we better concentrate our mind, money and time more on some efficacious measures to guard womanhood as whole (not only immediate siblings) than money and time draining unproductive festivals born out of unproven irrational myths.

Matthew 5:47-4847 And if you love only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?












Image Source: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2d/1b/25/2d1b2577845afeb1388caa066162fd12--rakhi-festival-hindu-festivals.jpg

Tuesday 1 August 2017

BLUE WHALE & SUICIDE





Suicide is a problem that contradicts the natural instinct of survival. The French philospher, Albert Camus, said that the greatest problem of philosophy is the question, “Why I don’t commit suicide?” It also, in a way, explains why people would commit suicide if they lack the reason for not doing that. Nikhil Raj Gupta investigates this issue in light of some recent events. Check out for more.                                                                                     Domenic Marbaniang 

Yesterday a Mumbai boy committing suicide brought huge online suicidal game scandal in the limelight. And now the man behind the game (blue whale), as they call it curator, from Russia is behind the bars only for three years term. The term "Blue Whale" comes from the phenomenon of beached whales, which is linked to suicide. Philipp Budeikin, a former psychology student who was expelled from his university, claimed that he designed the game. Budeikin stated that his purpose was to "clean" the society by pushing to suicide those he deemed as having no value (cleaning biological waste, as one article mentioned).

It is said that game is the cause for almost 130+ suicidal deaths across globe. Most of which are teenagers. Game is not available at App Store of any operating system but secretly distributed in links among the members of the suicidal groups. It begins with warning. One, if starts the game play can’t stop it at any cost as the operators have the details of the player. They threaten to follow them aftermath. They pose the series of challenges (50 to be precise) which has to be completed in 50 days, includes carving whales and other marks on their body with razer, sitting in the heighted building dangling their legs downwards, killing pets, watching gory clips (sent by curator), ending the game with final challenge that demands the player to kill themselves to be the winner.  

While it sounds quite adventurous to hard-core gamers like me, it holds potential to damage the lives permanently and only children or insane will move to play. Interestingly enough their preys are mostly teenagers who were registered in suicidal groups. They don’t respond to people searching them instead they choose the target and pose the challenge.

UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE 

Once I too went to take my life and thought it had a genuine cause behind. To some it may sound foolish and undesirable but ironically suicide attempts are apparently common these days and more importantly those who struggle with such moods are in real life problems. Before we laugh at them as onlookers we must understand such tendencies and its causes. It’s important to understand the concept and causes suicide.

In the month of June Hindustan Times reported that every hour, one student commits suicide in India. India has one of the world’s highest suicide rates for youth aged 15 to 29, according to a 2012 Lancet report, which illustrated the need for urgent interventions. About 800000 people commit suicide worldwide every year, of these 135,000 (17%) are residents of India, a nation with 17.5% of world population. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, taking the lives of approximately 43,000 Americans each year.

MAJOR CAUSES

Causes for increased suicide risk
Many elements contribute the risk for suicide. These factors are separated into three categories: biopsychosocial, environmental, and sociocultural.

Biopsychosocial

Biopsychosocial causes account for most suicides and attempted suicides. These causes include mental health disorders such as:
depression
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia
anxiety disorders
personality disorders
bodily abuse
childhood abuse or trauma
family history of suicide
previous suicide attempts
having a chronic disease

Environmental
Environmental elements that increase the risk for suicide often occur due to a stressful life event. 
social loss, such as the loss of a significant relationship or job
access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs
being exposed to suicide
being a victim of harassment, bullying, or physical abuse

Sociocultural

One of the main sociocultural causes of suicide is the feeling of being isolated or the feeling of being deserted by other. Feelings of isolation can be caused by sexual orientation, religious beliefs (guilt), and gender identity. 
The Deep Feeling of hopelessness and meaninglessness.

 SYMPTOMS OF SUICIDE

Here is some information from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Extreme mood swings
If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible.

HELPING SUICIDAL 

stay calm and speak in a reassuring tone
acknowledge that their feelings are legitimate
offer support and encouragement
reassure them that suicidal feelings are temporary
tell them that help is available and that they can feel better with treatment
While it’s not easy to diagnose or help someone suffering suicidal feelings its important to keep a sharp eye on people around you to help them when you notice any of these symptoms with proper approach.  

BIBLE AND SUICIDAL 

Don’t be ruled by fear.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10)

You are not alone. 
God gives hope and deliverance.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Ps. 34:18-19)

God loves you and is with you forever. 
He will sustain us through our greatest burdens.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Ps. 55:22)

You are not condemned. 
God gives freedom and peace.
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Rom. 8:1-2)

There’s acceptance in Christ.
”Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7)

There’s best identity in Christ.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12)

God is greater than any problem you are into.
God gives help and strength. He can solve any and every problem.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

God has a better plan for you 
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11). 

Remember, suicide was never a solution and will never be!!!

Find more about depression and suicide here: 







Image: https://avidosguy.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/46153-suicide.jpg