THE EDITOR, Sir:

When we forgive others, it is a common view that everything is now settled. While this is true for the offended, in that he frees himself from the burden of bitterness, etc., the forgiveness process does not end there. It continues with the offender.

When Christ forgave Judas, the ultimate end of that forgiveness is that Judas hanged himself. While we do not wittingly forgive so that the offender can come to harm, itis however the natural law of spiritual science that the offender must pay.

Forgiveness, therefore, is a Christian tool which Christians use to free up their minds but it surely does not benefit the forgiven in any positive way. As a matter of fact, it puts the offender in a worst state and even when God forgives us for our sins, we still have to face the consequences thereof.

Justice is crucial

While Rev. Dick's Peace Day article is very relevant and good, may I just challenge him a little in saying that justice is more akin to peace than forgiveness is to peace. The Chief Justice once said that there can be no peace without justice and this is one reason why I cannot believe that restorative justice has any lasting richness to it.

Justice is crucial before peace. It is a prerequisite to peace. Devon himself agrees that forgiveness without bringing the offence to light is to perpetuate injustice. Peace Day then should be big on justice.

This might be a strange or hidden side to forgiveness but it is true and is indeed a Christian tool.

Let us therefore strive to give justice at all time to our brothers and sisters so that there will be no need to resort to forgiveness.

I am, etc.,

E. REITTIE

elvena@cwjamaica.com