September 29,2025 – Forgiveness
“Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Nobel Peace Prize Winner (1931 – 2021)
“Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Indian political and spiritual leader (1869-1948)
Elder JZ: When I get exasperated with life, the universe, etc., I find comfort in John Prine’s whimsical song about forgiveness.
Fish and Whistle
John Prine
Father, forgive us for what we must do
You forgive us, we'll forgive you
We'll forgive each other till we both turn blue
Then we'll whistle and go fishing in heaven
Fish and whistle, whistle and fish
Eat everything that they put on your dish
And when we get through, we'll make a big wish
That we never have to do this again again again
John Prine! He was a master at weaving humor, profound insight, and a touch of the absurd into his songwriting, often tackling serious subjects with a disarming wit and empathy.
Before we get into eternal trouble, let’s get some advice from our spiritual consultant, Elder G:
Many people—across traditions—have wrestled with anger at God, especially when life feels unfair or unbearably painful. A few perspectives might help:
Biblical & Religious Views
- In the Bible, figures like Job, Jeremiah, and many of the psalmists cry out in frustration, grief, even anger at God. These aren’t treated as blasphemy but as part of an honest relationship. The Psalms, especially, show that lament and protest can exist side by side with faith.
- In Jewish tradition, “arguing with God” has often been seen as a form of deep engagement rather than rejection—like Jacob wrestling with the angel.
- In Christian and Islamic traditions too, expressing honest emotions—even anger—is not necessarily seen as sinful if it’s part of seeking understanding and staying in relationship with God.
Psychological View
- Anger is a natural human emotion. Directing it at God can be a way of externalizing pain when answers feel absent. Suppressing it can lead to bitterness or distance, whereas acknowledging it can open the way to healing.
- Many spiritual counselors say it’s healthier to bring that anger honestly into prayer or reflection rather than pretending it doesn’t exist.
Forgiveness & Relationship
- Often, anger at God comes from disappointment, loss, or unanswered prayers. Naming it can be the first step toward forgiveness—not of God in a theological sense, but of the situation and of yourself.
- For some, the act of telling God, “I’m angry,” is itself a step of faith—because it means you still expect God to listen.
So yes, it can be okay. Anger doesn’t always equal rejection; sometimes it’s the shadow side of love and longing.
Another beautiful song about forgiveness….
Take the Chance
Peter, Paul and Mary
Now on a hill there stands a cross above a graveyard
And the simple word carved in it says "forgive"
No war or killing anger can match the force it carries
It can heal the generations so that other ones can live
It can heal us, so we can live
[...]
That's when you take the chance
And let your tears start falling
And ignore the fearful warnings of your mind
And you let your heart for once do all the talking
And believe that you deserve for the sun to shine
You always did deserve for the sun to shine
I love you, and I want the sun to shine
Even my anger is a prayer,
shouted into the storm,
hoping You still hear.
From the cracks of rage
a tender blossom pushes through—
forgiveness not asked, but given.
I raise my fists to heaven,
and light answers back—
not with reasons, but with presence.
Forgiveness is not for God,
but for my own heart
to rest again in peace.
WLBOTT:
I guess in the classical sense, God does not need forgiveness. But anger with God may show a strong desire for understanding, especially when life is chaotic and mean.
Elder G:
In the classical theological sense, yes — God is understood as perfect, beyond fault, and thus not in need of forgiveness. But your point is profound: anger toward God often reveals not rejection, but longing for clarity, fairness, or intimacy. It shows that the relationship is alive, not indifferent.
When life feels chaotic and cruel, anger can be a way of holding God accountable to the promises of love and justice we long to see fulfilled. In that sense, it’s really a dialogue: “I still believe You matter, otherwise I wouldn’t bother being angry.”
Some mystics have even suggested that anger can be a kind of prayer — raw, unpolished, but honest. And honesty, even when fierce, can be a bridge toward deeper understanding and peace.
