I literally had a light bulb moment as I read your discussion regarding McMinn’s
(2019) and Worthington’s (2014) references to the path of forgiveness. Although
their paths to achieve forgiveness (Levels of explanation and Integration of
Positive Psychology and Church) were different, both made references to
empirical evidence for forgiveness. They found forgiveness is necessary for
wholeness of the mind, body and Spirit. I had not viewed the trinity of humankind
in that way until recently (systems, organs, cells) fashioned after the likeness of
the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (MEV, Gen. 1: 27). c
I had never imagined that McMinn’s five steps of the levels of explanation
regarding forgiveness, reflected that a greater hurt gap necessitated a greater
level of remorse desired (from the individual that apologizes). I was taught to
forgive by my Christian grandmother at a young age. I forgave individuals even if
they never apologized. I expected individuals to make healthy choices as they
stayed in my life from that point forward. However, that was not idealistic in real
life. My naïve idea for reconciliation allowed unhealthy individuals to remain in my
life.
However, I have previously heard a comment similar to the comparison
Worthington made related to society’s distortions and Psychology concerning
human self – perception and the “big Me” (2014). This perception could be a
contributing factor to whether an individual would apologize and if they
apologized, how sincere would the apology be? That is one of the main reasons I
agree that Positive Psychology has to continue to integrate a biblical foundation.
The bible says to love God, love your neighbor (MEV, Mark 12: 30, 31) and to
forgive an offender (MEV, Mat. 18: 22). That involved two giving and taking. If the
whole bible is not instituted to address sin as sin, humankind can continue to
perceive from society’s distorted view.
Both scholars also had corresponding views that forgiveness and reconciliation
are totally different things. An analogy of this would be like being in the garden of
Eden and choosing to eat the fruit from two different trees. Forgiveness and its
healing virtue seem similar to eating from the tree of life and God’s knowledge
(MEV, Gen. 2: 19). Reconciliation seems similar to eating from the tree of good
and evil because it only works when both individuals take an active role to bring
life back to the relationship. Reconciliation does not work when one individual has
the “big Me” perception (Worthington, 2014) and eats the fruit of distortion,
thereby hindering God’s ways (MEV, Gen. 2: 17).
Reference
Ackerman, C. (2018). What is self – image and How do we improve it? Retrieved
from: https//positivepsychology.com/self-image.
McMinn, M. (2019). The Science of virtue: Why Positive Psychology matters to the
church.
Modern Evangelism Version, Breakthrough Jubilee Bible. (2014). Military Bible.
Worthington, E. (2014). Mind your heart conference. Center for Christian Thought.
