Love Thy Enemy
Details
The topic of this Socratic discussion will be on the value of loving our enemy. Is this something we should aspire to? Or is it foolishness? What is the spiritual, emotionally, and psychological impact that forgiveness towards enemies have?
My hope is this discussion will help us better grasp how to navigate a world we're many seem to want to destroy what we cherish, often leaving us with hatred that has consequences in our lives and health.
Many will nod and agree that loving their enemy is the right thing to do and then attempt something that leads to self-destruction. What does it look like to do this in a healthy way? If it should be done at all?
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What is an enemy?
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What does loving our enemy mean? Is it an emotion, a choice, an action, restraint, prayer, forgiveness, or something else?
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What do we hope to accomplish by hating our enemy? What would success look like—and does hatred produce it?
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Is loving our enemy the same as reconciling with them? If not, how does love, trust, and reconciliation—especially reconciliation with boundaries—contribute?
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Can forgiveness exist without reconciliation? Should it? How is forgiving someone different from restoring a relationship?
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What does forgiveness accomplish spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically for the one who forgives? How does it show up in lived experience?
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What would justice look like if love were at its center? Can love and justice coexist without diminishing one another?
What is a Socratic Circle?
A Socratic circle is a space to share and discuss ideas for the purpose of arriving at the truth—or at the very least, removing falsehood from our own perspective so we can better understand what we are seeking.
Structure
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First 15 minutes: Coffee + casual social time
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75–90 minutes: Socratic-style group conversation (no lectures, just inquiry)
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Final 10–15 minutes: Socialize
> "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die"
> — Marianne Williamson
Suggested donation: $5-$10