Were the Christian hostages in Iraq right to forgive their captors unconditionally?

Question

Professor Norman Kember and other Christian activists in Iraq have offered their unconditional forgiveness to the insurgents who held them captive for 118 days and threatened them with death.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1968174,00.html

They have also declined to testify against them if there is any chance that the death penalty is enforced.

Their claim is that this is the Christian position to take. Do you agree?

Answer 1

Forgiveness has to be complete - yes they took the right stand. I am also against the death penalty. I would say what is even more Christ-like is how the Amish forgave after the children were murdered in that school. That is grace in action. I admire them deeply.

Answer 2

I can't say what's in someone's head to make them take such a position. Since this is a group we're talking about, many members could be following someone else's lead, not wanting to be the weak link in the chain.

If they've been through such an ordeal, I guess it's up to them to decide how to respond. Religion-based or not, for some, "turning the other cheek" is often the best way for someone to stay mentally above the fray and keep a distance from the emotional trauma it caused.

However, they should (IMO) take into consideration that by not prosecuting, they are increasing the chances that these criminals could do it again to somebody else.

Answer 3

If there's no legal requirement for them to testify at trial, then they have the right to refuse to do so.

But a man was murdered and justice must be done, and must be seen to be done. I'm anti-capital punishment, therefore I don't mean that someone has to die for Tom Fox's death to be avenged. I mean that the whole truth must be told, in a public and (we hope) fair trial.

I can't approve of the hostages' choice to take no part in that process; but as I said, it's their choice.

Answer 4

I takes a very strong person mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually to be able to forgive someone like that. Believe me I know in some of my own personal experiences. but Yes i do believe it was right because these people are setting a good example for all of us. Why cant we just forgive those who have tresspassed against us? this world would be a better place if we had more people like that.

Answer 5

I agree that, yes, this is the Christian position to take. If more people did it, we would probably see the level of violence around the world go down considerably (anyone see Pay It Forward?).

I'm not saying I could do it. They are a lot stronger than I.

Answer 6

100%

I personally knew 2 very special people years ago,named Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand. They were messianic Jews.
Richard was in prison for 6 years under the Nazi occupation of Romania and when Romania was "liberated" by communist Soviet Union,he spent another 8 years in prison, this time under communist rule for being a Christian.

He was brutally tortured for many years- and yet forgave his captors not only later but during the long sessions of horrible torture that he endured. I will never forget one day when he was changing his shirt -- what I saw I will never forget-there were multiple very large holes in his back where his tormentors had inserted sharp red-hot pokers into his flesh. He also could barely walk because of the long hours of beating on the feet with rubber truncheons. the list of the many and diverse tortures....and yet he forgave his captors and won many of them to God.

If you are interested in his story,he wrote many books,including:Tortured for Christ.

Answer 7

Yes I agree. Nobody can get to heaven or be forgiven if we don't forgive anyone who has wronged us, even insurgents. Regardless of religion everyone has to forgive. Doctors even say that letting go of grudges can cause the body to heal faster and gets rid of unneeded stress.

Answer 8

i think of group McCann is slightly screwed on exposure hogging headlines now... i do no longer think of they're going to have the skill to overcome 'An objective marketplace With.... The Pope!' for rankings back interior the destiny!

Answer 9

Christians are supposed to forgive others before they are wronged.

We are to be like Christ. Christ forgave us even as he hung on the cross, as his tormentors mocked him. He forgave. Is a servant better than his master? If Jesus did this, we have to do this. Those that will not forgive will not be forgiven.

Answer 10

Forgiveness is to bless you not the oppressor.
Yes,its right to forgive and not prosecute,HOWEVER,if the person is going to do this to another individual then you should prosecute to the fullest extent of the law!
God Bless