A good friend of mine called me today.....About 5 years ago his Brother was murdered in a robbery. Shot and killed in cold blood over $70.00. Thankfully, his killer was caught and convicted to life in prison...

Today, my friend get's a call from the Prison Chaplain asking if he would give the opportunity to the murderer to sit down and talk with him in person to seek his forgiveness...

I couldnt give him a good opinion....

What would you do?

its their choice i'd at least listen matbe vent to the person

The killer can ask for forgiveness all he wants.... it might be a good chance for your friend to vent his anger and hurt. He DOES NOT have to forgive if he doesnt want to

???

Your about to sit face to face with the person that just killed your brother in cold blood?

Vent?

Wow. That's a tough decision to make. Be there for your friend in case he needs to talk.

I'd do it. I like closure though. Forgiveness is within your self and you don't do it for others. However, this man might want to express remorse. That's a good thing. He is told the potentials (of how your friend might react) and still wants to go forward. He is not getting out so it's not as if he can use it for a parole hearing. People do have the capacity to change. It doesn't happen often, but it's possible.

My sympathies to your friend.

Damn!!! That's a tough one. Maybe it would be good for your friend to sit and vent to the killer. I don't know what I would do in that situation though bro. Tough one.

I would listen but i would still want to rip his thyroid out through his arse.

You would know about this, does stuff like this happen often?

That would be my problem

Here is the guy who was the last one to see your brother alive, not only that but the look of fear on his face as well...

He is very uncertain and seeking healthy opinions, he cant make a decision.

I would ask if they'd want the same done for them if the shoe was on the other foot.

I can understand how hard it would be , but through forgivness, he may find peace.

Wouldn't be a good idea to put me & my brothers killer in the same room...

Yea, I joke around alot but on a series Note


I would go, Listen you never know what Poped off

I think everyone would have to decide their own path there.
Me?

If you took one of my brothers out in cold blood as you say - I don't think it would be wise to allow me and the perp in the same confined space.


Yes, I know I am supposed to be better than that. Yes, I know I should demonstrate the ability to be the 'better man' I know all these things logically.

But then for a brother - I throw quite a few rule books out...Sorry, I would want to see him dead, not apologetic.

I would tell them not to go unless they wanted

Yes, it happens, but not often. It is an option given to those inmates who actually seek rehabilitation [in certain prisons]. It's usually done within the confines of counseling, and others within the religious forte. I think it's a good thing, as it attempts to show the offender what harm they have caused. To tell this man what irreperable harm and lasting effects his actions had on others might teach him something. That is always good.

There is also the chance this man might share his experience with others... others that might think about it once they are released. It could have the potential to be a "pay it forward" situation.

Forgiveness or the asking of it is to clear ones own mind and make things right with whatever god they pray to.
But what you must think is do these people who ask forgiveness care a sh*t about the feelings of the people who have been hurt by there own wrong doings....I think not

I can see that, that sheds a little more light on it for me.

I honestly cant give a good opinion, it would be difficult for me to say "I feel your pain" to my friend. I have never experienced anything to that level before. I think I will share with him what you said though....

I'd be honored if you did. It's very hard to see it in a "big picture" sort of scenario, I know. But the potential to reach more than just that one man, to give your friend some closure, and to really and truly be part of a change (however much of a longshot that is) might be worth the stress. I wish your friend fortitude and strength in whatever decision he deems right for him.