True, but...

[Guest guest]

Hi Gang,

 

I want to weigh my madness, in response to Jerry... (I mean that I am

evaluating this as I type it, and later as I read it and read responses

to it. - I Don't know ANYTHING!!! -whew.)

>Taking your points briefly and in summary form: when l talk about

dealing with the Hitler types, l'm not necessarily advocating hatred

and hostility toward them, but rather reacting

appropriately according to their actions. This means first, a realistic

appraisal of the danger involved and second, resistance. lf l walk down

the street and pass by a thug mugging an old woman, is it right conduct

for me to simply ignore it, assuring myself that hey, the thug and l

are one, l am the thug, the thug is l, the thug may be a saint for all

l know, etc., so this is none of my business.......? l think most

would agree that this is not

right conduct, and that l should help to whatever extent l can.

 

For what it's worth, I COMPLETELY AGREE. The difference in the Hitler

debate is that Hitler's actions are in the past. How long do we hold on

to the reaction? When harm is happening, it is completely appropriate

to try to stop it. In fact (and this is being watched closely by me to

see if it is right - don't know yet...), I think anger is a useful tool

when this is happening. It can mobilize and focus a response. But once

things have happened, I think forgiveness and clear understanding of the

actions, their origins, and their consequences are all vital to correct

seeing. No order of importance, all important.

 

So griping about the past is only part of that. Perhaps clear seeing of

the actions and their consequences. Clear understanding of the origins

seems to me to help in forgiveness, which cleanses and heals.

 

I think when Jesus suggested we learn to forgive, he had no limitations

in mind. Wow!

 

Love, Mark