Montrose - Daily Press

Following the tragic shooting of 10 Amish girls in a one-room Amish school in October 2006, reporters from throughout the world invaded Lancaster County, PA to cover the story. However, in the hours and days following the shooting a different, an unexpected story developed.

In the midst of their grief over this shocking loss, the Amish community didn't cast blame, they didn't point fingers, they didn't hold a press conference with attorneys at their sides. Instead, they reached out with grace and compassion toward the killer's family.

The afternoon of the shooting an Amish grandfather of one of the girls who was killed expressed forgiveness toward the killer, Charles Roberts. That same day Amish neighbors visited the Roberts family to comfort them in their sorrow and pain.

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Later that week the Roberts family was invited to the funeral of one of the Amish girls who had been killed. And Amish mourners outnumbered the non-Amish at Charles Roberts' funeral.

It's ironic that the killer was tormented for nine years by the pre-mature death of his young daughter. He never forgave God for her death. Yet, after he cold-bloodedly shot 10 innocent Amish school girls, the Amish almost immediately forgave him and showed compassion toward his family.

In a world at war and in a society that often points fingers and blames others, this reaction was unheard of. Many reporters and interested followers of the story asked, "How could they forgive such a terrible, unprovoked act of violence against innocent lives?"

The Amish culture closely follows the teachings of Jesus, who taught his followers to forgive one another, to place the needs of others before themselves, and to rest in the knowledge that God is still in control and can bring good out of any situation. Love and compassion toward others is to be life's theme. Vengeance and revenge is to be left to God.

Read through some of the Biblical passages regarding forgiveness and love toward others and you'll better understand how the Amish were able to forgive.

Montrose has been touched by tragedy in the past year.  What lives in each of us is what we feed in our hearts.  Don't feed hatred or it will consume us with bitterness like a cancer.  Be a healer, and reach out to forgive.  Only in this way will we be able to heal and move forward. 

Comments

Native wrote on Aug 18, 2009 7:39 AM:

" I don't have a Christian agenda....I know that people of all beliefs and religions...or lack there of, forgive. And that is wonderful! "




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we all read it different wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:10 AM:

" sorry, i don't read it that way at all. It says nothing about not having laws and people paying for their mistakes on earth. but individuals themselves don't exact revenge or we would have a lawless society. Just like when we experience something we will describe it differently, when we read something we interpret it differently. "




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JTG wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:44 AM:

" "In a world at war and in a society that often points fingers and blames others, this reaction was unheard of."

Actually it's not unheard of. It happens all the time (Columbine is a good example). But I guess stating it was common would not help you push your "Christian" agenda would it? I guess stating that people other than Christians’ forgive all the time would not help your agenda either, would it?

And let’s be honest, that is all the post is about. But fear not, this Atheist will forgive you! "




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Read the Article wrote on Aug 15, 2009 8:36 AM:

" The article reads: "Vengence and revenge is to be left to God." Law enforcement is society's method of exacting vengence and revenge in a controlled manner. So, yes, the article does say we shouldn't allow law enforcement to do its thing. "




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I have to agree wrote on Aug 14, 2009 4:49 PM:

" I can see where Native was coming from...I think using sarcasm to twist what was said into something that was not said is rude. Sarcasm is also usually used to make fun of something, as Native pointed out...so that is why people become offended. And the truth does hurt, but "sounds nice" was not delivering the truth. No one ever said anything about not letting the law do its thing. I cannot believe you people can turn forgivenss into a fight...amazing "




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just me wrote on Aug 13, 2009 10:43 PM:

" To Whatever....It has happened to me. I have been wronged, I had my brother stabbed and killed...I forgave. Not easy thing to do...not at all. But it was not impossible. If you open your heart, foriveness is not as hard as you seem to think it is. It is a personal thing that each one of us have to deal with. We should not judge the ones that do forgive, or the ones that can't. I will just pray for everyone. "




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montroseres wrote on Aug 13, 2009 3:45 PM:

" Patrick got it right. I think our lack of trust in God is why the world is in such a mess. He knew that though, that's why he gave us his son Jesus. Healing and forgivness go hand in hand. It's very hard sometimes, but it is right and it is worth it. Blessings to all. "




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patrick wrote on Aug 13, 2009 11:17 AM:

" Sounds Nice: There was nothing about not expecting justice. Obviously you dont really expect this to happen but what the story is getting at is the amish are trying to follow god word by forgiving those that sin against them. had the perp lived they would have expected due justice to be carried out, but now justice will be given by god himself not our justice system. I do not feel your sarcasm was rude. you were just making a point, but your lack of trust in god is holding you back from seeing the big picture. Good luck "




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sorry wrote on Aug 13, 2009 8:46 AM:

" you clearly don't understand the definition of sarcasm. I only stated the facts and there was no sharp or cutting words and no intent to ridicule any one. Sometimes people use sarcasm as humor which is great at the right place. I think that many of the posts describe their feelings and their ideas spoken in plain words without sarcasm. not rude at all. it's a discussion, on what some people think is appropriate. probably a very good thing to discuss on this site. "




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I Agree wrote on Aug 13, 2009 7:35 AM:

" Iwas not saying at all that people have to agree with each other, I was saying that this forum has become a bashing contest again. If you look at the blogs here, people are airing dirty and private laundry, attacking people for spelling errors and being intentionally rude and disrespectful. I do not see why there can not be a respectful and courteous discusion about issues without attacking each other. "




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whatever wrote on Aug 12, 2009 11:47 PM:

" Forgiveness - whatever. Who cares how the Amish handled their grief. All of you that are so willing to forgive and forget probably have not had a loved one killed or injured. It is easy to say but not as easy to do so get over yourselves. "




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HA wrote on Aug 12, 2009 4:17 PM:

" Sorry,

That's what makes sarcasm so great!

Oh, and I find your post to be SARCASTIC and a personal attack on "Sounds Nice!"

I bet you and NATIVE could be good friends. You could form a “DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO” club!

See, “sarcasm” is wonderful! "




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sorry wrote on Aug 12, 2009 3:43 PM:

" definition of sarcasm--"form of humor using sharp, cutting remarks or language intened to wound or subject to contempt or ridicule." You won't find sarcasm recommended by any communication, or relationship teachers or experts as it doesn't lead to enhanced comminication or relationships. "




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Respectfully wrote on Aug 12, 2009 1:27 PM:

" Native & I Agree,

Respectfully, if you can't take criticism, you should stay away from blogs. “Sounds Nice” used sarcasm to voice his/her opinion. The fact that you don’t agree with it, does not make it rude. I, respectfully, also thought it was rather funny.

Respectfully, as far as I can tell, the only person attacking people and being rude and insulting is you, “NATIVE.” I say that “respectfully” mind you!

Respectfully, maybe it is time you practice what you so passionately preach! "




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Pot to the Kettle wrote on Aug 12, 2009 9:27 AM:

" Native: Sorry, I agree with the other people. "Sounds Nice" post is really not rude. They were just using sarcasm to make a point. A point that oddly enough YOU SEEM TO AGREE WITH! So, I'm not sure why you are being so RUDE to them?

Um, were you not the one talking about respect earlier? As far as I can tell, you are the one doing all the PERSONAL ATTACKS. "




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Native wrote on Aug 11, 2009 1:09 PM:

" And it was a rude comment. To joke about and make fun of others for their beleifs is rude. Those beleifs are what keep those people obeying the law. God tells us to forgive, and he tells us to obey the law of our land. If you believe otherwise, that is your choice. You won't see me put you down for it, but I will stand up for myself if attacked, sarcasticly or not. "




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Native wrote on Aug 11, 2009 1:09 PM:

" Do not twist forgiveness into something it is not...a fantasy. It is real, it is just not the law, nor should it be. As far I as can tell no one even implied otherwise. I can honestly say that I don't know any Christian that would say differently. "




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Native wrote on Aug 11, 2009 1:04 PM:

" I do not think that forgiveness will fix anything in the big picture. And I also don't think the article was writen in a way that implies that forgiveness is all that we need. Forgiveness is a personal and emotional matter...not a law matter. I have been raped, he is in prision where he belongs...and hopefully does not ever get out. That is a good thing. A very good thing. I also have forgiven him...not for his sake, but my own and I am a happier person for it. "




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Trish A wrote on Aug 11, 2009 12:16 PM:

" Native & I Agree: So what you're saying is, only people that agree with a post should be able to voice their opinion? Just beause a person does not agree with you does not make them rude or uncivil. There was NOTHING rude or uncivil in "Sounds Nice" response. It was sarcastic. But that sarcasm made his/her point quite nicely. I actually agree with him/her. "




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hmmm wrote on Aug 11, 2009 11:21 AM:

" I think Kelli gets the point... "




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JGK wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:56 AM:

" I agree that “Sounds Nice” was being sarcastic (and really funny), but I don’t think their post was rude. I think “Native” just did not like the point “Sounds Nice” was making that “forgiveness” does not keep you or your family safe. I have nothing against it. But let’s not act like it is a cure-all and then leave everything else up to God. Further, let’s remember it is MUCH easier to forgive someone who is dead… than alive and still out hurting people. "




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Reality wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:05 AM:

" Native: Freedom of Speech doesn’t just protect the things you want to hear. It also protects (more rightly so) the things you don’t want to hear. “Sounds Nice” makes a valid point. Many years ago I suffered a tragic event. I moved on, but I will never forgive nor forget. I wish I could just “forgive” and let God handle it. But no, others would have DIED because of that fantasy world. They’re in prison where they belong… and so no one will ever have to “forgive” them or their actions again. "




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Sounds Nice wrote on Aug 11, 2009 8:50 AM:

" Native,

Whereas I agree with my post being sarcastic, I don't find it rude. I'm being honest (and sometimes honesty hurts). The simplistic "forgiveness" ideal is nice, but just a fantasy. There’s a reason we have a justice system, prisons and police. The point of the post was with FORGIVENESS everything is made right and to just let God do the judging. Well, REALITY does not work that way. You want to live in and preach your fantasy “forgiveness” world… while the rest of society has to clean up the mess. "




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I agree wrote on Aug 11, 2009 5:55 AM:

" I think this forum has gotten way out of hand again, there are way to many people just bashing the heck out of others and make rude comments and attacking others. This forum has become a joke again instead of respectful discusion. The original psoter if this thread was respectful and decent, I applaud that. Come on Press lets make it nice to come here again. We don't need ridiculous and nasty stuff on here, "




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Native wrote on Aug 10, 2009 10:25 PM:

" "sounds nice" that was uncalled for and rude. I thought the daily press asked people to be respectful on here...I think it's time for the press to enforce the requirments for leaving comments on here. There is freedom of speech then there is sarcasm that hurts others for no reason. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell the difference. common daily press...are you trying to turn us against eachother? "




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Kelli wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:22 PM:

" Thank you for sharing this story. No where in it does it say to get rid of the police or to let all of the criminals go. I think the moral of the stories is that we can not control the things that happen around us but we can control our own reactions to them. Forgiving others is an important step in finding peace within ourselves. God bless all involved both there and in the more recent events here in our own town. "




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Sounds Nice wrote on Aug 9, 2009 6:01 PM:

" I agree! With forgiveness, all will be made right. Leave everything else up to God! Throw open the prison doors and with forgiveness, let all the criminals go! Get rid of the police too, no need for them, just forgive the person killing, raping, robbing you. All will be made right. What a beautiful way to live. I feel safer and closer to God already!

Wait... who is that in my house killing my child? Oh well, no matter, I'll forgive them as they head to my neighbors house... "




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