Forgiveness > Permission

We've all heard the old phrase 'it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission'. This phrase will often be offered with a little laugh as it is meant more as a joke. And I agree that it is a funny phrase on the surface. But if you look at is seriously, it's actually really bad advice.

There was a comedian that once said, "I wanted to pray to God for a new bike. But I know he doesn't work that way. So I just stole one and asked for forgiveness instead." A funny joke, but what if everyone took this mindset seriously?

That is why I don't see the concept of Christian forgiveness as a positive thing. It offers no deterrent from doing wrong, because every wrong will be forgiven if you just ask. Maybe that works for you, but it's terrible for society. Other people are still left hurt. Wrongs were still done. The bike was still stolen, money embezzled, lives taken...

So while it is a funny little phrase, it isn't one to be lived seriously. Not if you want to live a moral life and not recklessly hurt others anyway.


-Brain Hulk

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