Comments on: How do you say “Fast of the First Born” in Japanese? http://www.froginawell.net/japan/2008/04/how-do-you-say-fast-of-the-first-born-in-japanese/ The Japan History Group Blog Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:45:05 -0800 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: peony http://www.froginawell.net/japan/2008/04/how-do-you-say-fast-of-the-first-born-in-japanese/comment-page-1/#comment-130690 peony Mon, 05 May 2008 21:05:01 +0000 http://www.froginawell.net/japan/2008/04/how-do-you-say-fast-of-the-first-born-in-japanese/#comment-130690 I have to admit, I am a bit puzzled by this statement: "I wonder whether this model applies: the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation seems to stem from the concept of sin.." I wasn't aware it was a model. If it is, in fact (?) a model, then it is in effect saying that most of the world is not capable of forgivement and reconciliation (since, of course, the world's religions that represent the most people in terms of numbers are not based in this concept)And more, that those within cultures of The Book are somehow more open to forgiveness and reconciliation-- which empirically shows us to be a false assumption. Logically as well, there is nothing within the concept of forgiveness or reconciliation that requires a concept of sin. I wonder, in what is a really important topic, are "models" like the above helpful or productive in any way? In my opinion, they unfortunately distract. Your conclusion: "What these articles say to me, over and over again, is that there isn’t a lot of progress being made, that things aren’t changing." Can be seen in equally depressing and distressing conflicts we see happening today around the world between people who in fact share the concept of sin. My point? I agree with your feelings, but question the intellectual productivity of putting forth "models" which are not based on anything but perhaps a culturally-biased (?) opinion. In any effect, is it really a bona fide model? I have to admit, I am a bit puzzled by this statement:
“I wonder whether this model applies: the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation seems to stem
from the concept of sin..”

I wasn’t aware it was a model. If it is, in fact (?) a model, then it is in effect saying that most of the world is
not capable of forgivement and reconciliation (since, of course, the world’s religions that represent the most people in
terms of numbers are not based in this concept)And more, that those within cultures of The Book are somehow more
open to forgiveness and reconciliation– which empirically shows us to be a false assumption. Logically as well,
there is nothing within the concept of forgiveness or reconciliation that requires a concept of sin.

I wonder, in what is a really important topic, are “models” like the above helpful or productive in any way? In my
opinion, they unfortunately distract.

Your conclusion:
“What these articles say to me, over and over again, is that there isn’t a lot of progress being made, that things
aren’t changing.” Can be seen in equally depressing and distressing conflicts we see happening today around the world
between people who in fact share the concept of sin.

My point? I agree with your feelings, but question the intellectual productivity of putting forth “models” which
are not based on anything but perhaps a culturally-biased (?) opinion.
In any effect, is it really a bona fide model?

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