The Need for Forgiveness
October 30, 2023 | By Emma Ventresca BF ‘26
image description: two hands reaching out to each other
In the words of Cardinal Francis George, we live in a society where “everything is permitted and nothing is forgiven.” Now this can be difficult to believe at first glance. How can a world that proclaims greater acceptance of all be one of condemnation? But the effects of cancel culture validate the Cardinal’s claim. From news stations to our homes, genuine conversations have been replaced with closed minds and quick judgements. Almost instantaneously, someone can be ostracized from a community for expressing a minority belief. Controversiality is in essence unacceptable, and sticking to the status quo is a prerequisite of civil interactions.
On Yale’s campus, the paradoxical relationship between the culture of acceptance and cancel culture is striking. During the warmer months, students stand on Cross Campus for hours at a time asking others to discuss current events or participate in a service opportunity. The nature of these interactions vary widely—especially for Yalies who claim to be welcoming to a broad range of perspectives. If a table presents a controversial issue pertaining to ethics and morality—say, those pertaining to global conflicts or the right to life—it may become the focal point of a negative post on Fizz. Despite students’ commitment to hear the other side, it is not surprising to find some of them frustrated when met with a differing viewpoint.
That is not to say that this is the case in all scenarios. But it does bring an important point to light regarding the divergence from objective morality on our campus. Moral relativism conflicts with the idea of an objective moral truth that governs human interactions. One must be cautious when dealing with subjectivism, as without a clear, shared sense of “right” and “wrong,” each individual creates a different definition of “good” and “bad.” So many believe that the concept of objective truth must be wrong, yet it is paradoxical that they also believe there is no fundamentally correct answer either. Those quick to “accept all actions” may find themselves in the category of those who believe that all have their own truth that constitutes reality. But are not some actions intrinsically good or bad? Are not there some actions that should never be taken, irrespective of the situation? In the Chrisitian life, sin is not to be lauded but rather corrected, and most of all, forgiven. The concept of sin—a deviation from what God has revealed to be good and true—highlights the need for God’s radical mercy, not “acceptance of all actions” in a morally subjective world. Romans 3:23 emphasizes that everyone needs forgiveness, as we “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.” Each one of us has stumbled, and none of us, therefore, is the absolute authority on who deserves mercy.
Christianity does not reject the message of acceptance of all. The faith embraces those of diverse backgrounds with open arms and promises freedom for the sinner. Our culture has created a dichotomy of acceptance and forgiveness where all actions are allowed but those who have strayed from the majority are not permitted back in the fold. Jesus presents a vastly different worldview. He does not support condemnation of those in sin; instead, he extends great forgiveness. He does not encourage the righteous to treat the sinner as an outcast but challenges them to see their own faults. In John 8, the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. The Pharisees claim that her actions would be punishable by death according to the law, yet Jesus does not respond to them. He chooses another way—one of mercy—and says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). The Pharisees disperse one at a time, and finally it is just Jesus with the woman. Without condemnation, Jesus tells her to “Go, [and] from now on do not sin anymore” (John 8:11). The pressure from the Pharisees does not sway Jesus to choose the majority opinion. Rather, He upholds the law and denounces the hypocrisy of the Pharisees by showing us the path of love. In love, He does not validate the woman’s actions but truly sees her, a repentant sinner, and gives her the greatest gift of all: forgiveness.
We need forgiveness now more than ever. Political polarization creates harsh divides in social circles and families, and it seems that common ground is hard to find. Even in the midst of conflicting opinions, it is crucial that we remain dedicated to our principles. Not only does this entail guiding our peers in good judgment, but it also means proclaiming the Good News of redemption and reconciliation. Christianity does not seek to exclude or divide or delineate; it is unbound by temporality and preaches a message beyond all human law. Christianity’s message of acceptance does not make all actions morally subjective; rather, it underscores the mercy of God for all, regardless of one’s faults or mistakes.
Objective truth married with compassion is the recipe for true acceptance on our campus. Preaching to others about the universality of truth may be off-putting. Nevertheless, agreeing upon first principles can be a way to take “baby steps” in a time of extreme polarization. This can also be a stepping stone for productive discussions. For our society to approach disagreements with humility and grace, we must opt for both understanding and courage in guiding one another toward truth. Replacing quick judgements with thoughtful discourse can go a long way.
Each of us is created by an all-knowing, all-loving God, and nothing can strip away human dignity. All deserve to be treated with the utmost respect, but this does not mean that we should turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. We should be open to honest conversations that can benefit each of us along the journey. As friends, coworkers, and students, our view of God at the center of our lives grounds us in objective truth and hope. Trusting that He saves, redeems, and restores is vital to our life on this Earth and knowing the hearts of others. As we draw ever closer to God, who is Love, we are able to set aside our judgements and manifest His loving message of forgiveness.