The Runaway Prodigal: a Study of Rebellion and Reconciliation

Minnie Mattheew

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Chapter 5 The Runaway Prodigal: a Study of Rebellion and Reconciliation

In: Eight Faces of Revenge

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Minnie Mattheew

Minnie Mattheew
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 53–68

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004380257_006

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Abstract

The great lover of error-ravaged humanity compassionately pleaded: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do, and the eternal good shepherd opened his arms to the whole of mankind. This universal gesture offered hope to millions of runaway prodigals. In moments of trials and agonising torment Christ could think of forgiveness but how can ordinary mortals cope with pain, rejection, betrayal, violence, misery, temptations, disease, anguish, loneliness? How does one forgive the brute, the bully, the shameless tormentor? Why does one attract situations or people evil in nature? These are some of the questions that demand an answer. One can also argue that Christ was able to conquer temptations and trials because it was a mechanically pre-arranged part of divine plan but then, one can also ask whether that painful plea of Christ when he cried ‘Father, Father, why hast thou forsaken me’ was a fake cry? Christ represents everyman, for the divine understands that it is formidably difficult for an innocent human being to conquer hatred of others with love. This paper draws references from both the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita which contain the science of truth that makes life at once appalling and appealing.

The paper further highlights the ideas that in the divine order there are no punishments, only consequences. There are no judgements but simply a cosmic law of cause and effect. In the larger realm of divine justice, it is sin that is condemned never the sinner.

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Eight Faces of Revenge

Series: At the Interface / Probing the Boundaries, Volume: 105

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004380257

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 15 Nov 2018

Subjects
- Philosophy
  - Social & Political Philosophy
- Social Sciences
  - Cultural Studies

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Chapter 5 The Runaway Prodigal: a Study of Rebellion and Reconciliation

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Eight Faces of Revenge

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