Is peace possible without forgiveness?

Question

Recently, Yoko Ono spoke on the anniversary of her husband's death. She said that the world should continue his vision of peace and overcome suffering. However, she also said she did not forgive the person who shot her husband. These statements to me seemed incongruous. Is peace possible without forgiveness?

Answer 1

lt is somewhat. lt's the same with two people arguing and ended hating each other. They both walked away and never spoke to each other again. Peace? On the surface it is peaceful since you don't hear the nasty remarks thrown at each other but at the bottom of it all, their grudge is eating them alive.
To forgive is divine. Many cannot let go of their anger and hatred. ln time, let's hope it finally sets them free and forgiveness to reign in their hearts.

Answer 2

(1) I read that she said she was not "ready" to forgive yet.

That doesn't mean she isn't in the process of seeking that reconciliation. It seems to me she is asking for greater support, that if everyone could contribute by making the commitment toward reconciliation, that would help lend her strength as well through a challenging, mutual process.

I think hers is an important example. It seems easy for those who have forgiven to ask others. But for people to admit they aren't there yet, but still want to seek reconciliation is extremely powerful. It is asking to take steps together, to make the commitment to try, and then work from there, even if we are not sure what it will take to succeed.

It shows that forgiveness is part of a recovery process, and not some magical overnight fix. A much more realistic, humanistic approach.

(2) As for peace, as long as you maintain faith in healing, recovery and reconciliation, you can be at "relative" peace at any stage during the process no matter how close or how far you are along (as it has been said peace is not the destination but the journey). As you forgive more and more, so does your understanding grow and thus your sense of spiritual peace. But absolute peace will require completing the process collectively, where all humanity is reconciled and no conflicts, issues or transgressions are left unresolved or unforgiven. So until we are at that ultimate point in time, there will remain some suffering some disturbance and lack of peace among us. That is there as a symptom, a sign to remind us we are not done yet, and to direct us where to focus next in the process of reaching full resolution.

Answer 3

No. Peace is not possible without forgiveness. That statement should make clear to the world exactly the kind of "peace" John & Yoko Ono offered. A false one. Only Jesus Christ can offer true peace and it's done through forgiveness of sins.

Answer 4

no it is not.

you can not give what you don't have.

if someone does not forgive another, they are not at peace, so they can not spread peace.

Only from one whom truely is at peace, and KNOWS Peace, can they Share Peace.

Follow the one in the light, not the other stumbling in the dark.

What she forgets is that , if she wants to lead others into the light, then she must keep her eyes ahead of her, instead of always looking behind to see if anyone is following .

If she always looks behind, she won t be able to see where she is going, and there fore lead her followers into darkness.

Answer 5

There you have the impossibility of peace, it goes against human nature, if she was a great person, she would forgive, but she's normal like the rest of us. Now if she snuck into prison and personally offed the guy, I'd be impressed. PS You should see how she drives!

Answer 6

Well I am an atheistic agonist and often use an ignostic position. How should I know about peace and forgiveness as it relates to a billionaire Japanese media piggess.

I only forgive dead people, if at all.

Answer 7

peace is possible without forgivness if you dont have to deal with the people who have effected you on a day to day basis..sort of like segregation

i guess peace without forgivness is like a burden you carry without acting out against the people you resent

peace with forgivness is curing that burden and moving on..but this does not guarentee peace forever..

good question!

Answer 8

I believe that it is. Something along the lines of agreeing to disagree. Can't stand Yoko Ono, though.

Answer 9

You have a good point, how can you have peace with a grudging heart? although forgiveness is not the only thing you need it is definitely a big part, and is required even when the treaties are signed.

Answer 10

Nope - excellent insight. Forgiveness removes the infection which continually poisons true peace.