Aurora Shooting, Penn State Scandal. Can we forgive?

Aurora shooting, Penn state scandal…

Can we forgive these things?

I just ended a two month run blogging on forgiveness.  Then two huge news items came on the scene that relate directly to what I've been talking about; the Aurora shooting and the Penn State scandal. I'd like to share my perspective. I'd love to hear what you think as well.

Forgiveness for the Aurora Shooting?

About a month ago, I wrote about forgiving the unforgivable.  I said that anything is forgivable.  

Given that, you'd think I'd be quick to say people should forgive the Aurora shooting at the recent viewing of Batman in Colorado. But when I saw a TV report the other night, two days after the shooting, where a victim said he forgave the shooter, it didn't set well with me.

It's not that I don't think forgiveness should be offered. It's just that it's too early to talk about forgiveness. The victim in the report was shot but he didn't die like twelve people did.

There are twelve families and groups of friends who are dealing with the traumatic loss of their loved one. For anyone to throw around the idea of forgiveness this soon puts too much pressure on these survivors to conform.

The reporters will now go to everyone and say, "One victim said they have forgiven the shooter. Have you?"  I don't think that's fair to these survivors. They are dealing with enough right now. They shouldn't be asked about forgiveness.

If they can forgive, it will take a long time.Talking about forgiveness this soon only trivializes forgiveness.

I felt that the victim in the report was just saying what he thought was the right thing to say. It didn't seem genuine to me.

I wasn't inspired by the story. I felt a little sick about it.  I'm interested what you think.

Forgiveness for Penn State?

And then there’s the Penn State scandal., Penn State got handed an incredibly harsh verdict yesterday for their role in the abuse scandal. They removed the statue of Joe Paterno.  I can see that there will be a variety of responses to this.  

I understand how it's not fair to the players to nullify all games.  But...how unfair was it to all the victims of abuse?

Forgiveness, yes. Excusing, no.

I agree with harsh sanctions. People have to understand that turning a blind eye to abuse is not okay; in the church, in sports, in the home, wherever it's found.  

It sounds like the blame could not be isolated to just a few guilty parties. There were many who were complicit.  

When this happens the institution has to take the blame. It's sad to see the sanction but the reason for the sanction is sadder.

Question: There is lots of room to disagree on both the Aurora shooting and Penn State. What do you think?  Leave your comment below.

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