Power and Forgiveness: A Clash of World Views
How did the quest for power and money become the primary goals of Western societies? What thief in the night changed people’s hearts so that profit is to-die-for? Perhaps I exaggerate, but I doubt it. Do we admire those who work in soup kitchens or those who own the buildings across the city from the soup kitchen?
Do we admire the ones who care for the dying or those who can put a round ball into a round hoop and make a lot of money for doing that?
If we had the chance to be the boss or the servant, which would we choose? And do we ever think more broadly these days: that the boss ought to be the greatest servant?
I am open to correction, but I do not think I exaggerate. Money, influence, power vs. service, love, and humility.
Forgiveness includes a world view that clashes with contemporary culture. The German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, anticipated this shift when he said that the weak forgive, the strong dominate.
Yet, forgiveness speaks truth to power. Forgiveness tells power that it will not last. Forgiveness will abide and be in this world long after the powerful meet their biological end.
Forgiveness as a counter-move to power can actually enhance well-being while power yearns for more, well, power.
Power’s ultimate goal is bankrupt. What will one do once one’s goal of power and money are fulfilled? What is the ultimate point of it all? Forgiveness’ ultimate goal is love, to put more love into the world and into hearts, including one’s own.
A clash of world views. Which would you like to see win?
Robert
