How should we respond to manifestations of Hell on earth? The answer we give is a matter of prescription.
Human beings are known to do barbaric things to each other: the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, the communist extermination campaigns in Russia, China, and Cambodia, and the atrocities in Bosnia and Rwanda. Still, it is not self-evident how we should respond to systematic evil. One possibility is to accept these horrors as part of the cold reality of life. Another is to make our peace with them in order to return to civilization. Still another response is to seek revenge. A final option is to use the law to bring the offenders to justice.
How should we come to terms with inhumanity personally? We could demand retribution or, conversely, practice forgiveness. But what if we are the perpetrators? How should our victims deal with us?
Image IX. Terrorism: “It was Hell on earth”
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43)
27. Tuesday, November 30
- Damon DiMarco, Tower Stories, pp. 310-319: READ
- Osama Bin Laden, “Your Security is in your own Hands”: READ
- “Lacking visa, Islamic Scholar Resigns Post at Notre Dame”: READ
- Geoffrey Galt Harpham, “Inadmissible Evidence” READ
- Various songs censored in the wake of the attacks on 9/11/2001
28. Thursday, December 2
Meeting: A conversation with Fr. Hesburgh in the Hesburgh Library
Image X. Torture and Injustice: “To hell and back . . . ?”
“Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing”
(Luke 23:34)
29. Tuesday, December 7
Discussion: Practicing Hardnosed Indifference versus Caring for Others and Forgiving Ourselves
- William Bole, “Forgiveness Makes the Future Possible”: READ
- U. S. Department of Defense: “Report Faults Intelligence Soldiers at Abu Ghraib”: READ
Background:
- CBS Reports: “Prisoner Abuse at Abu Ghraib”: SKIM
- Sworn Statements by Detainees at Abu Ghraib These are graphic documents. Read only as many as you need to gain a basic impression.
- Abu Ghraib photos These are graphic photos. Again, look at only as many as you need.
The essay question for your final exam is HERE
Ten Images of Hell in the Twentieth Century: Reflections
30. Thursday, December 9
Discussion: I will invite you to reflect on where we have been in this course and where we might be going.
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NOTE: Please leave your technology at home. This includes electronic devices of any kind, such as laptops, i-Pads, cell phones, Kindles, video cameras, or other personal digital devices.