I appreciate your thoughts on the videos we watched and agree with your
insights on the main differences in the approaches. You also stated that
the different methods led to similar results concerning virtuous living,
even though that is not always the case. Both processes utilize
Christianity and science to help individuals pursue forgiveness. However, I
am not sure the results are similar. How are the results of forgiveness
measured? Worthington and McMinn address the numerous studies on
forgiveness that have shown the positive effects on health, relationships,
spiritual life, and other areas of well-being. Still, no mention is made of
which approach has led to these results (McMinn, Worthington).
Additionally, these benefits should only be a partial result of forgiveness.
If the motivation is self and not other-focused, forgiveness may only be a
superficial act.
I also found the difference in how each approach identified the role of
reconciliation as part of forgiveness interesting. McMinn identified
reconciliation as a necessary part of forgiveness because of the Biblical
mandates of Scripture. Even when reconciliation is impossible, the longing
for reconciliation should be pursued. On the contrary, Worthington views
reconciliation as a wholly separate and nonessential aspect of forgiveness
in the Levels of Explanation view. Whether or not reconciliation is a part of
forgiveness would determine the results of any methodology (McMinn,
Worthington).-
How would the results of forgiveness be measured beyond the benefits
already mentioned? I believe it would be challenging to determine the
effects of any time of research on forgiveness without a Biblical
perspective. Although the Levels of Explanation view shows benefits from
methods used to help people forgive, how might these benefits be
increased if the Christian perspective was not excluded from the "how to
forgive"? Integrating Christianity and psychology would allow the
Scriptures to enrich the understanding and methods to help individuals
receive all the benefits of forgiveness for themselves and others.-
References
McMinn, M. (n.d.). The science of virtue: Why positive psychology matters
to the church. Retrieved from
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/268499/pages/watch-the-science-of-
virtue-why-positive-psychology-matters-to-the-church?
module_item_id=29352707
Worthington, E. (n.d.). Why you should forgive and how to do it. The Table
Conference. Retrieved
fromhttps://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/268499/pages/watch-why-you-
should-forgive-and-how-to-do-it?module_item_id=29352697
