Reinhold Niebuhr on forgiveness

All social cooperation on a larger scale than the most intimate social group requires a measure of coercion.

Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.

One of the fundamental points about religious humility is you say you don’t know about the ultimate judgment. It’s beyond your judgment. And if you equate God’s judgment with your judgment, you have a wrong religion.

Love, while always forgiving of imperfections and mistakes, can never cease to will their removal.

C. S. Lewis1898–1963

• Love
• Theology

To err is human, to forgive divine.

Alexander Pope1688–1744An Essay on Criticism (1711)In context

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heal that has crushed it.

Mark Twain1835–1910

• Virtue