Nov. 6, 2009 — Extravagant forgiveness

Will Willimon, former dean of the chapel at Duke, writes that a scholar of world religions visited the campus, and in a lecture cited one or two aspects of each religion which made that faith unique.

“When he spoke of Islam,” says Willimon, “he noted that that faith penetrates every aspect of life, the way Moslems pray all through the day. In Hinduism, the scholar admired the way it attempts to embrace all reality.

“Finally, when he came to Christianity, he said Christianity is unusual in its focus upon and its demand for forgiveness. Jesus died forgiving those who killed him. He demanded that his followers practice extravagant forgiveness with one another. And everywhere Jesus went, he said, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Just a thought. I'm Sid Batts from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greensboro, fpcgreensboro.org.