Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

[Sushan]

This topic is about the June 2023 Philosophy Book of the Month, Killing Abel by Michael Tieman



Within the confines of human understanding, justice is often perceived as a system of punitive measures aligned with the gravity of one's transgressions. In contrast, mercy, in its most basic sense, is the compassionate treatment of those who are in a position of vulnerability or wrong. These concepts, though seemingly in opposition, are inextricably intertwined in the moral fabric of our societies.

Killing Abel poses a significant challenge to these foundational ideas. It presents us with a narrative where Cain, after committing the heinous act of fratricide, is granted divine mercy by God. This act of mercy, far from the punitive justice one might expect, raises questions about the nature and limits of divine mercy, and its relation to our human-formed notions of justice.

This divergence from the traditional understanding of justice demands a deep philosophical reflection. How do we reconcile a merciful God with a God of justice? Does divine mercy undermine the concept of divine justice, or do they coexist in a way beyond our human comprehension?

[Akangbe Opeyemi]

We can't use our human understanding to understand divinity. There are times that I read the Bible and I have so many questions to ask due to not agreeing with the things I read. That's why it is said, “God's ways are not our ways".

Divine mercy and justice in a way coexist, just like in the part of the Bible where a woman who committed adultery was brought to Jesus. According to the law of Moses, she should be stoned (Justice), “John.8.5 - Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?" But Jesus' responses to the matter was “John.8.7 - So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John.8.11 - She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (Divine mercy).

[Sushan]

We can't use our human understanding to understand divinity. There are times that I read the Bible and I have so many questions to ask due to not agreeing with the things I read. That's why it is said, “God's ways are not our ways".

Divine mercy and justice in a way coexist, just like in the part of the Bible where a woman who committed adultery was brought to Jesus. According to the law of Moses, she should be stoned (Justice), “John.8.5 - Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?" But Jesus' responses to the matter was “John.8.7 - So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John.8.11 - She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (Divine mercy).

I agree with you that divine understanding often surpasses human understanding, especially when it comes to concepts of justice and mercy. This very idea is echoed in Isaiah 55:8-9, where it is written: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Indeed, the narrative of Jesus and the adulterous woman is an excellent example of the divine interplay of justice and mercy. However, I would argue that this event does more than just showcase these concepts co-existing; it highlights a shift in understanding from strict punitive justice to a form of justice imbued with mercy and forgiveness. This shift allows for a form of justice that seeks not merely to punish but to rehabilitate and restore, echoing the divine desire for redemption and reconciliation.

In the case of Cain, I think we see a similar dynamic at play. While his crime is undoubtedly grave, the divine response is not one of immediate and harsh punishment. Instead, God chooses to mark Cain to protect him from others' vengeance, thus showing mercy while still holding Cain accountable for his actions.

The challenge, then, is not to comprehend the divine interplay of justice and mercy within our human understanding, but to broaden our understanding to encompass these divine complexities. This is not an easy task, and it invites us to constantly reflect and engage with these narratives, much like we are doing now. What are your thoughts on this interpretation?

[Prince Oyedeji Oyeleke Jayeola]

Killing Abel is a book that tried to answers different question we have about the creation and I like the approach of the author in doing this. We saw God as a first time earthly father who was continuously learning and growing on his job. He and his councils reasoned that if they kill Cain it might have different repercussions and as a father was emotionally concerned about his first earthly grand son. But, as we delved further into the scripture we saw that the mercy Cain enjoyed ended one day when he blocked his heart from giving back to God the love he showed him and threaded the part of destruction. " God's ways are truly mysterious."

[Sushan]

Killing Abel is a book that tried to answers different question we have about the creation and I like the approach of the author in doing this. We saw God as a first time earthly father who was continuously learning and growing on his job. He and his councils reasoned that if they kill Cain it might have different repercussions and as a father was emotionally concerned about his first earthly grand son. But, as we delved further into the scripture we saw that the mercy Cain enjoyed ended one day when he blocked his heart from giving back to God the love he showed him and threaded the part of destruction. " God's ways are truly mysterious."

You've highlighted a unique perspective, emphasizing God's portrayal as an "earthly father" who's learning and growing in his role. It's intriguing to consider this representation of God as a paternal figure grappling with the intricacies of justice and mercy, especially concerning Cain. Your point about Cain's eventual path away from God's love underscores that divine mercy, while abundant, is not limitless and is bound by one's actions and choices.

The phrase "God's ways are truly mysterious" resonates deeply with the central theme of our discussion. It captures the essence of the paradox between divine justice and mercy. But it also leaves me wondering: in our own human capacities, can we ever truly grasp the balance between mercy and justice? Or is it a divine equilibrium that we can only aspire to understand?