In Reply to: Let's FORGIVE the Family posted by Daniel on September 05, 2003 at 13:38:06:
This is a very deep subject Daniel, and I largely agree with you on these points. However, I think that trusting God to take vengeance is not merely a side-issue or a by-product of this subject, but an integral part of it.
So far as I know, I have forgiven everyone who has wronged me in the Family, and have sought out those I have wronged and apologized. But it's funny you should raise this subject, because about a month ago I stopped and asked myself the question, have I forgiven David Berg for everything he has done?
The answer is yes and no.
For my own personal healing, I have forgiven him for the way his policies have affected and damaged my life personally. Now I understand those who can't do that, and I probably suffered a lot less than them, but this is what I hve done.
But have I forgiven him for what he has done to others, and how his evil influence is still wrecking and devouring lives? The answer is a clear no. For one, how on earth can I forgive him on behalf of someone else, say a SG who was tortured in a victor camp or sexually molested as a result of Berg's pedophile policies? I don't have that right, as it's another person's life and how they deal with the issues.
And frankly, I wouldn't do it anyway, for the reasons you pointed out in your post. There has never been sincere repentance, nor the bringing forth of sincere change as a result of heartfelt remorse. David Berg died totally unrepentant of any of his malicious policies, and present Family leadership has sought to cover them up and justify them, not come clean and admit to them, like the Catholic church has done. However, the Catholic church has only done that under intense pressure and class action lawsuits. It'd probably take that to bring Family leadership to their knees.