a quality of mercy

Quote from: pyroclasticlux on August 20, 2009, 08:06:45 AM

i was reading an article this morning about the Lockerbie attacker being freed by the Scottish government when i came across something that really stood out.
from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32487856/ns/world_news-terrorism?GT1=43001:

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The former Libyan intelligence officer was sentenced to serve a minimum of 27 years in a Scottish prison for Britain's deadliest terrorist attack. But a 2007 review of his case found grounds for an appeal of his conviction, and many in Britain believe he is innocent.

...

The question of freeing al-Megrahi has divided Lockerbie families, with many in Britain in favor of setting him free and many in the U.S. adamantly opposed.

British Rev. John Mosey, whose daughter Helga, 19, died in the attack, said Wednesday he would be glad to see al-Megrahi return home.

"It is right he should go home to die in dignity with his family. I believe it is our Christian duty to show mercy," he said.

whether or not one agrees with Mr Mosey's argument (or that of others not opposed to setting al-Megrahi free), the part i wanted to highlight is the rev's comment. again:

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"It is right he should go home to die in dignity with his family. I believe it is our Christian duty to show mercy,"

i think it's interesting how a nation that often identifies itself by its christianity pushes anger and revenge (read some of the comments here, http://www.newsvine.com/_question/2009/08/19/3169384-should-the-lockerbie-bomber-be-released-on-compassionate-grounds, to see how excited people are to recommend things like 'cut[ting] off his arms and legs!' and 'Let him out... and then give any surviving family members of the victims an M16 and the F*****s address and let them settle it').
if this guy is guilty, i think he should at least be confined to house arrest and be monitored; but keeping him in jail costs money, and it sounds like he's on his way out anyway (though if his health recovers, by all means put him back in jail).

still, if he's innocent, how many of these people would appreciate the same sentiment thrown their way if they were in such a position?

ps. unedited; will fix later.

Regarding mercy, I don't think all Christians would say the same thing. I think most would shun Jesus' teachings and un/wittingly cherry pick something from the Old Testament as a guideline for how to act toward someone who tries to kill another person.

I doubt Jesus would have cast any stones his way, but instead would have tried to save him (assuming the law didn't put him to death first).

And you're right, anyone can dish out the judgment but not everyone can take it.

Yes, most Christians are pussies. I say that with utmost respect for Christians who actually do follow the word of Christ and do so with respect for others. But it's sickening to see Christians (mostly the American kinds) bend the religion to their will, including for hatred and judgment. It's the complete opposite for which it was intended.