Deep thoughts
I’ve read a couple of books recently – and news in Massachusetts that ties thematically to the books – has had me thinking about the nature of forgiveness and redemption.

You can read more about the new story here, but basically a gubernatorial candidate’s brother-in-law did something very wrong in the past and that issue was brought up as part of a political contest. It’s unclear who brought the criminal history to light, but now the issue is out in the world and everyone knows this family’s history

This brings me back to the subject of the books – Citizen Vince by Jess Walter and Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. They don’t seem that similar at first glance, but they do both deal with crime, punishment, and attempts at redemption. If you’re interested, I think Case Histories is the better book but Citizen Vince is clever and an enjoyable read.

Each of the characters in the books has made a mistake (or mistakes); they’ve sinned or committed crimes as heinous as murder. And yet they all want the chance to start over – and the path to starting over requires different things from each of them: taking a chance on a relationship, making amends for past wrongs, serving time in jail, or getting involved in their community in a meaningful way.

Redemption stories are powerful in American literature (and non-American lit of course) – but if you think about the things that happen on the page (or screen) and what happens in life you’ll see that while we like the idea of redemption (and by extension forgiveness) we’re not a very forgiving people.

For example, in many states if you’ve been convicted of a felony you no longer have the right to vote – which plays a big role in the story of Citizen Vince. And if you’ve ever applied for a job, you may recall that on the job application you are often asked if you’ve been committed of a felony.

I know of people who can’t find any decent work because they are convicted felons. If you are convicted of a crime, serve your time in jail and then are released to the world you don’t really get a second chance. People hold that against you – and I can’t decide if I think that’s fair or not. Every financial document I’ve ever gotten has said that past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns.

Perhaps we’re more forgiving of someone who steals cars or robs banks than we are of sex offenders or murderers. Perhaps not. Do you want to live next to a convicted criminal? Will it destroy your property values?

I’ve made lots of mistakes in the past and I’ve looked at people who have made similar mistakes and never recovered from them. One thing leads to another and they end up in a dark place making very bad choices. There but for the grace….

Can we be open to giving someone another shot – but still protect our family? Can past performance predict the future? Can caution and forgiveness live in the same place? Where does redemption begin and condemnation end?

I have no answers. I like to think I’m the kind of person who is willing to give someone another shot. But I feel like if you’ve screwed up – whether on something small or something huge – you have to earn it. Redemption begins within yourself, but you need a little help – the benefit of the doubt - from the world around you.

And that’s the end of my deep thoughts.