The Grudge

“Forgiveness is the ultimate sacrifice
Eloquence belongs to the conqueror”
-System Of A Down, Sad Statue (https://youtu.be/0tNQ3rHj1t8)

Note, we may be sitting on pillows at this location so bear that in mind!

What does it mean to forgive?

It is one of those concepts that seems to constantly fall prey to the equivocation fallacy. Some people treat forgiveness as a form of accepting reality even when said reality is uncomfortable, while others treat it as something that only refers to feelings towards an enemy after a conflict.

To elaborate, I’ve heard it said that if we don’t forgive, we are essentially not letting ourselves heal from trauma. We are “holding on” to some form of negativity. If this is true, though, then how are we to dissect phrases such as, “forgive but don’t forget?” Isn’t this also a form of holding on? Is it just that society makes us feel ashamed of our grudges?

For this meeting, I’d like to discuss grudges, forgiveness, and the morality surrounding these terms. If we live in a culture that accepts the idea of a binary afterlife (ie, heaven and hell), the notion of forgiveness could be more palatable for some. God will judge our enemies, so we don’t have to. But how should we process forgiveness from the perspective of having no god to judge for us?

To these questions and more I hope to hear your honest thoughts. Prepare some juicy stories of your personal experiences with grudges, the people you have wronged, and those who have wronged you.

Icebreaker this week: Who do you think might hate you? Is it deserved? (same question if you are convinced no one hates you)

See you soon,

Shelby