Forgiveness and understanding

In the UK, at least, you will probably have seen news coverage this week of the racist murder of student Anthony Walker, from Liverpool, whose killers have now been sentenced. Even the most hardened heart must find it difficult, surely, not to be touched by the views of his family, perhaps most obviously voiced by his mother, whose stance of forgiveness of the killers and understanding and care for the families of those convicted is nothing short of remarkable.

On a special edition of Real Story on BBC1 last night, it was put to Gee Walker, Anthony's mother, that people must really admire her for her response because they would find it difficult to react in the same way. She explained the crime had been committed because of hatred and she would not let that emotion rule their lives. The family's response seems to be very much borne out of their faith - they are committed Christians, I understand - and what a fantastic example of the power of faith. They now want to start a charity, in his name, to further understanding - encouraging increased knowledge and respect between those from different backgrounds.

I am technically a Christian, however from a reasonably early age, I decided that for all the good in that faith, there were parts I either disagreed with, or was unsure about, including the existence of God. I decided a broadly Humanistic approach was more in-keeping with the way I wanted to live my life.

As society in the UK has become increasingly secular it is more common, I think, for people to simply equate religion with trouble, or divisive views, without also appreciating that there have also been very positive benefits of organised religion. Singling out Christianity as the predominant faith here, might it not be said that an increasingly secular society in the UK has suffered because in many cases the good parts of that religion have been replaced with nothing, or with the temptations it often educates against?

People who can so publicly show their tolerance and forgiveness are like beacons to me. This story, last month, about the Palestinian family who, after their sun was killed by Israeli troops, let their son's organs be used to help Israeli people in need comes into the same category.

Whether based in religion or not, these are the people who can highlight doing the 'right' thing - something we should all understand and be able to identify.

It is examples such as these that show the fallacy of religious war for what it is - hollow power and resource-grabbing, based on inducing fervour in those who either must agree it or fight for it, whether that be the USA or any number of other countries around the world.

When we see these gestures I am at least happy that often the media seizes upon them and holds them up. By showing these moments to as wide an audience as possible, perhaps we can cut through the crap we are so often fed and see real people setting a real example to us all.

Then, yes, we can admire them - and perhaps even think about how we could better live our lives so, if it ever comes to the worst, we might also do the 'right' thing.