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.
c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c 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
