It is true that the world is infested with several hot spots where anger, killings, violence and hatred are a part of daily life. It is equally true that many nations, including our own, have a tendency to solve violence with more violence, even though recent experience has shown us it is not very successful. Anger, violence and hatred seem to breed more violence and hatred; leading many to believe there is no way out of this vicious cycle. To those I would strongly recommend “No Enemy to Conquer; Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World,” by Michael Henderson (Baylor University Press).
In the foreword, the Dalai Lama points out our greatest human joys come when we are motivated by concern for others. At first blush that sounds like Pollyannish nonsense. But the author makes a compelling case that the power of hatred and revenge can be won over by the greater power of forgiveness and personal reconciliation. While forgiveness has an image problem, he provides convincing examples to bolster his thesis that humans, even those who have empirically sound reasons to hate, can be radically changed in the way they view their real or perceived enemies.
All religious faiths share firm teachings of peace. That includes Islam, which sees itself as a religion of peace but is now, unfortunately, associated by many with murder and mayhem. Recent polls show that about 75 percent of Americans say they know nothing about Islam or are hostile to it. On the other hand, figures in the Muslim world are equally alarming with anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism. But these chasms of ignorance can be bridged by contact and dialogue.
One example among many would be the example of Professor Judea Pearl, father of Daniel Pearl who was beheaded in Pakistan. He was, as a Jew, transformed through his association with Dr. Akbar Ahmed, a Muslim and chair of Islamic studies at American University.
A serious obstacle to forgiveness is “remembering” distorted versions of past atrocities. Forgiveness cannot condone evil, but neither should one wallow in victimhood. Apologies are always powerful, particularly when accompanied with some kind of restitution. Of particular value are the numerous empirical examples in the book where dialogue, forgiveness, understanding, restitution and apology have been able to overcome decades, and sometimes centuries, of animosities and violence. There are excellent chapters on changes brought about in, among others, South Africa, Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone.
In my mind the greatest benefit of the book is that it gives hope that solutions to present seemingly intractable tensions that exist between Pakistan and India or Israel and Palestine are possible.
Of even greater value to those who struggle daily seeking peaceful solutions is the fact that there are an increasing number of venues or organizations that have demonstrable successful and proven processes in place to help foster fruitful dialogue and understanding between warring parties. In this sense, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. It is readily available. Moreover, an increasing number of courageous and selfless political leaders, including President Barack Obama, are aware of these resources and supportive of them.
Nothing is more effective in disarming enemies than discovering the depth of their common humanness. It is indeed a powerful key to opening mutual understanding and eventual friendship.
Eastern Jackson County, MO —
