JUSTICE or FORGIVENESS - which is the most important, in your view?

Question

For me: Justice.

PLEASE put your religion also, I'd love to see if there's any correlation! Cheers :)

Answer 1

Justice

Answer 2

I'd say I desire justice but strive for forgiveness. The problem I see is that in the big picture, there's no way for justice to be enacted without forgiveness.

Easy example: how do you make up for past injustices to, say the Native American community? Do you give them back the land that the U.S. citizens stole from them? If you do, then you perpetuate injustice to those who have rightfully bought the land in the present day. Do you punish the people living today for the sins of their ancestors or do you allow the injustices of the ancestors to carry on against the oppressed communities of the present? There's no easy answer. But I would say there's no way to enact justice except to first practice forgiveness and then move forward. But forgiveness is usually contingent on repentance.

Peace to you. (Oh, and I'm a Christian, if you couldn't guess).

Answer 3

Justice is first but forgiveness is a Divine right allowed through Jesus. He was punished "justly" on our behalf.

In reference to civil rule, which is only a part of the physical world, justice must be carried out according to rule. A persons personal relationship to God will determine what happens after the body is gone.

Answer 4

I think it's humanly impossible to really manage justice, especially if by justice you mean restoring the victim rather than punishing the perp. Forgiveness just helps the world run along a bit better despite all those mistakes/injuries.

What God will do about it all in the end, I can't say.

So...um.. I don't know, I guess.

Religion: I don't have one, but I believe in God

Answer 5

Def Justice

Answer 6

I am a Christ follower and it is quite simple. What would Jesus do? He would forgive and let future circumstance be the justice. People that have wronged, and not been forgiven are walking outside of God's fellowship. When we bring down judgment on a situation and then become the executioner, we must be prepared to face the same TRUTH. There is nobody that is without blemish.

Answer 7

forgiveness. If God gave us more justice than forgiveness we'd all be toast.
His mercy goes deeper than his justice. He is both just and forgiving. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it's true.
I am a Christian.
His justice was accomplished when Christ suffered the punishment we actually deserved. Therefore we now can receive forgivness of our sins. Those who do not trust in Christ do not receive forgiveness.

Answer 8

Religion: Druid (Red Branch Warrior)

Justice is most important because if you are not always fair but firm with Justice then people begin to waver and believe they can skirt justice through a soft hearted plea.

Answer 9

Forgiveness always outweighs justice. I'm Catholic and I believe in forgiveness so much. Things may not always be Just in this world (or with God) because we'll never be able to have thing perfectly fair, but by forgiving people for things that they have done, we are making things more just. Forgiveness is crucial and we need it as human beings.

Answer 10

Atheist. Okay, that's a lie. I am not Christian. I am not Jewish. I am not Muslim. I am not Hindu. No religious label suffices.

Both are equally important. Which one rules in a particular situation depends upon the individual circumstances. You are asking for subjective judgment here. Each situation is unique.

True forgiveness is not predicated upon redemption or contrition. Forgiveness is an act of healing for the person who was hurt; it is not for the violator.