The nature of evil, abuse and forgiveness

If forgiveness is a gift to yourself, what do you give when the harm is unforgiveable? 

And it’s hard to believe, but some families endure unspeakable harm and somehow remain intact, while others fracture over what seems like nothing at all. 

How do we hold space for the reality of suffering, even trauma – but also the possibility of redemption? 

Our culture justifies righteous anger – the victim rightly must be vindicated, not blamed. 

But the question remains challenging for all of us, because perfect families don't exist. 

And any relationship worth having, comes at a cost. 

GUESTS:

Dr Karen Pack is a lecturer at University of Notre Dame Australia, a religious historian, ordained minister, trained pastor and teaches around the world.  Her new book is “Queer Omissions: Unmarried Women and Social Justice Activism in the Church” 

Professor Michael Salter, from UNSW, is the director of the Australasian hub of Childlight, the Global Child Safety Institute and is an internationally recognised expert in child sexual exploitation, complex trauma and gender-based violence.