Question

The following are elements in current definitions of forgiveness, except for:

A) a decision to reduce or release negative thoughts toward an offender
B) a decision to reduce negative behavior (e.g., blame, anger, etc.) toward an offender
C) accepting the offender into one's moral community
D) proceeding with the above after the offender requests forgiveness

Answer 1

Forgiveness involves reducing negative thoughts and behaviors toward an offender and accepting them into one's moral community, but it does not require the offender's request for forgiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The elements that commonly define forgiveness include: A) a decision to reduce or release negative thoughts toward an offender, B) a decision to reduce negative behavior (e.g., blame, anger, etc.) toward an offender, and C) accepting the offender into one's moral community. An aspect that is not necessarily included in current definitions of forgiveness is D) proceeding with the above after the offender requests forgiveness. Forgiveness is a process that can take place irrespective of the offender's request for it. It is rooted in the internal decision of the harmed person and can serve as a path to moving beyond suffering. Reconciliation can be facilitated by various forces including the expression of empathy, acknowledgment of past suffering, and the cessation of destructive behaviors.