Originally Posted by
MagpieTony
I think there are two issues here. One is the issue of forgiveness and the second is the law of the land. It's a big subject that I'll just skim over.
1. Forgiveness. In a biblical context this is usually dealt with on a personal level in the context of an individual being wronged and their approach to dealing with the issue. For reference look at the Lord's prayer '....forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us'. This is all about freedom. obviously, in the course of our lives we are going to experience situations where other people hurt us, be it physically, psychologically or emotionally and in varying degrees. How do we deal with that? Different people deal with it in different ways. Some strike back and look to get even or inflict even worse, some will shrink back and hide away burying the hurt inside them and lose confidence and self worth, yet others will bear a continual grudge against the person(s) concerned which turns into a bitterness and hatred that will never go away. All of these scenarios have a negative effect on the individual and exacerbate an already bad situation. Living a life of forgiveness against others who have personally hurt you can liberate you from these ongoing negative effects and clear the way to get on with your life. As a Christian, you are more aware than most of your own shortcomings and failure and the tremendous grace of God shown in His forgiveness towards you. The bible says that God has taken our sins and dropped them in the sea of forgetfulness and remembers them no more. When you are aware of the level of forgiveness that God has effected towards you on a personal level it becomes much easier to extend that same grace to others. When you think about it, forgiveness can only be extended on a personal level.
2. The Law of the land. The law is put into place by custodians to protect society and individuals from lawlessness. The Magna Carta laws were encapsulated by the terms 'No loss, No harm, No injury'. In order for society to function properly, these laws need to be respected and applied and where they are broken punitive measures ensue. In the case of Begum, she has contravened a number of laws and her return would put a community at risk. So, here is the question. How, as a Christian can you practice the forgiveness mentioned in the previous chapter if you still want this girl extradited and punished? For me, I find no conflict at all. Firstly, her crimes were not against me so I have nothing personally to forgive her for. Her forgiveness is not my responsibility. If she had committed an act of terror against me personally or those who were close to me I would have had that choice to make, thankfully, I haven't. her crimes were against humanity, of which I am a part and her actions warrant punishment. Even if she had wronged me and I had chosen to forgive her, she would still be liable under the law to face justice. So, on two counts I am able, with a totally clear conscience to recommend firstly that she should suffer the consequences her actions deserve, be that the removal of her passport and being denied the right to come back into this Country or face a stern prison sentence if she is allowed back. And secondly, the nature of her crimes are such that there would be serious safety concerns for this Country if she were to be let loose in society and the safety of citizens is something that should not be compromised.
Very brief and a bit sketchy but I hope it answers your question to some degree.
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