Revisiting Forgiveness Last week we talked about forgiveness. During our Sharing Circle, someone commented that we often forgive not for the one who harmed us, but rather to set ourselves free of hatred and resentment. This week, we look at an idea akin to forgiveness: mercy. Unlike forgiveness, which we can offer without the other person ever knowing, when we grant mercy, such as by pardoning the wrongs of a criminal, the one who has done those wrongs must realize it. Then, within that realization, if she is open and receptive to it, she might find the blessing of grace. In this way, forgiveness, mercy, and grace are connected. Yet…
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Fathers and Sun Gods
Father Sun Gods Many of the world’s religions worship Father Sun Gods. There’s the Egyptian god Ra who ruled the sky, earth, and underworld. After creating life, he spread warmth and light everywhere and helped things grow. Surya, the Hindu sun god, provided healing and comfort to his people. The Aztecs, however, had Tonatiuh, a cruel god who demanded sacrifices. These gods represent different kinds of fatherhood, whether neutral, cruel, or kind. Apollo, the Greek sun god, revealed yet another type of father, for he was absent. Apollo fathered a child with the nymph Clymene, then he returned to his palace and focused on his work. His son, Phaeton, knew him only…
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Mercy and Insanity
Mercy and Economics As people in recovery, living in a world that should be in recovery, we need mercy. This society we live in, and most societies in the world, are insane. You know, “insane” as in doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. For instance, we keep thinking trickle-down economics will someday solve our economic problems, and we make all kinds of mistakes our ancestors made because we don’t pay attention to history. For instance, some people think the New Deal was a bad idea that actually extended the Great Depression and actually hurt the people who benefited from the social supports by making them weak…