Is Mel Gibson a sinner?

Uh, yes, because the ‘I’m going to answer a question with a question.’ question is: ‘Is Mel Gibson a human being.’

I have empathy for Mel and I pray for him. Alcoholism is a terrible disease. There are all kinds of drunks: mean, happy, sleepy, and funny. Nevertheless, they are drunks. They need to heal their addiction with honesty and humility.

I think we’ve learned enough as a country and as a people to know all this. Twelve step programs and addictions are talked about incessantly in the press and in the news.

I found it very unfortunate that a person’s disease, and recklessness, became the fodder for hate mongers.

Those with a prejudice against Mr. Gibson, and his work, saw the opportunity. Let’s pile on.

What really took me aback was not the fact that people were offended by his tirade, for the prejudicial statements on his part were indeed offensive, but the attitudes I heard from the Jewish talking heads on the news shows. ‘He is an anti-Semite.’ ‘He is responsible for his father’s statements.’ ‘His apology will never be accepted.’ ‘His apology is not good enough.’

Because of God’s own words expressed to us by His son, Jesus, the Messiah, we as Christians have a very charitable concept of forgiveness. Confess your sins, be forgiven. Mr. Gibson did that almost immediately, and did so publicly. I would imagine that his penance is to seek healing for his disease.

Some have stated that the Jewish concept of forgiveness either doesn’t exist or is far harsher. They would be wrong.

Jewish thought on forgiveness is at its root similar to the Christian concept of forgiveness. It is charitable and generous. After all, God laid down the Law for the Jewish people. He didn’t contradict His Law; rather Jesus fulfilled the Law.

The Ethics of Forgiveness from the Talmud Torah Center for Basic Jewish Education states:

Jewish law (Halacha) requires us to ask forgiveness from anyone whom we may have harmed, whether the harm was physical, financial, emotional, or social. Nevertheless, one is required to be gracious in granting forgiveness. The source for this halacha is the Mishna in Baba Kamma 8:7 which says, “From where do we know that it is cruel to not forgive? For it says, “Abraham prayed to God and God healed Abimelech…” (B’reishis (Genesis) 20:17).

It is forbidden to be cruel and difficult to appease, rather, a person must be quick to forgive and difficult to anger and when the sinner asks for forgiveness he should forgive him willingly and wholeheartedly….”

Mr. Gibson was wrong and his words were cruel. He asked for forgiveness —“ so it should be freely and generously given. Then we should pray for and support him so that he seeks the recovery he so badly needs for his illness. That’s what God’s people would do.