Christian Forgiveness and Snape (was Would Harry forgiving )

[lealess]

No: HPFGUIDX 164319

Speaking of Christianity, Christ on the cross said, "Forgive them, 
for they know not what they do."  He was speaking of those who had 
abused him and were killing him, as well as those who had turned away 
from him.  He was asking for mercy.  He was showing compassion and 
love for others, people who did not ask for forgiveness or even 
recognize that they needed it.

Dumbledore was close to this kind of love, most certainly on the 
Tower.  My guess is that Lily was closer to this kind of love.  I 
don't see this selfless love in Harry, however, especially while he 
holds to resentment over past harms done him and to hatred of Snape.  
As long as he clings to this anger and, moreover, lets it control his 
actions, he will remain as emotionally stunted as Snape has been, 
letting the past distort his judgment.

I don't see letting go of hatred as Christianity, either; it is more 
a tenant of basic human growth.  As long as we cling to hatred of 
others, we harm ourselves.

Sorry I don't have much time to expand on this, or respond to other 
posts, much as I'd like to.  This lack of time is why I basically 
dropped out of HPFGU a while back, and am probably going to do so 
again.

lealess