On Forgiveness

On this episode, Dr. Guidry responds to the forgiveness of Amber Guyger by Brandt Jean. We aren’t taught to access the full range of our emotions, and so, we often rush to forgiveness. This absolves us having to do the work of grappling, processing and healing from what we really feel. In reality, forgiveness, like grief, is a process. This episode is for those who witnessed the courtroom scene in which Brandt Jean forgave and embraced his brother's killer, and felt like "something wasn't quite right about" it. 

 

Resources:

Archbishop Desmond Tutu Quote: 

"To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of self-interest. It is also a process that does not exclude hatred and anger. These emotions are all part of being human. You should never hate yourself for hating others who do terrible things: the depth of your love is shown by the extent of your anger.

However, when I talk of forgiveness I mean the belief that you can come out the other side a better person. A better person than the one being consumed by anger and hatred. Remaining in that state locks you in a state of victimhood, making you almost dependent on the perpetrator."

https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/desmond-tutu

 

Pastors who were cited in this episode:

Rev. Traci Blackmon

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart

Rev. Melva Sampson, Ph.D.

 

3 Perspectives on Forgiveness:

1. Forgiveness can be a knee-jerk reaction to trauma. 

2. Many theologies of forgiveness further traumatize traumatized people.

3. There are CLEAR differences between absolution and accountability, and of these two, only one promises to yield transformation.