You may remember that my regular guest on my 98.5 Sonshine FM morning radio programme each Tuesday is clinical psychologist Genevieve Milnes M.App.Psych, MA (Couns), B.Ed, B.Div from the Belmont Counselling Clinic. Our segment goes to air just after 10:00 a.m. Perth time.
A few weeks ago we started looking at what is commonly known as “10 Popular Irrational Beliefs”. They’re the kinds of beliefs held by many in our community, beliefs that can hold us back from reaching our potential. We looked at about 6 of them on the first week, 1 the second week and finished the final 3 last Tuesday.
So what was the one thought that needed a week on its own? Which thought created the most interesting conversation between us and those listeners who called in during our talkback session?
Some people are bad, wicked or evil and should be punished for this.
What do you think? Is this true or irrational? Are some people beyond help? Are people bad or do some people just do bad things?
Obviously we need to recognise that it’s not up to us to hold the world accountable. We don’t need to take on the task of being judge and jury every time we hear of someone stepping over the line but should people be constantly punished or counselled and reformed? Should there be a combination of punishment and rehabilitation?
We would probably all agree that there must be consequences for actions but how far does that go? We’ve all done things we’re not proud of so where do we draw the line?
Most people who commit evil acts come from deeply flawed backgrounds. Should we then be punishing people simply because they have had an unfortunate past? Are we leaving room for forgiveness? We all like to be forgivenn when we mess up but how far should forgiveness go?
The rational thought that was suggested to counter the irrational thought was, “It’s sad that most of us do some bad things from time to time and some people do a lot of bad things. But making myself upset won’t change that.”
Does that counter thought really cover the original issue?
Posted by Rodney Olsen
Technorati Tags: Irrational Beliefs – Radio – Sonshine FM
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Hey Rodney,
I’m finding this series really interesting by the way. I kept meaning to comment but kept forgetting!
This is a very deep question. I think most people that are “bad” and to terrible things are a product of terrible things happening to them in their childhood, but that doesn’t apply to everyone. God says our natures are sinful…it’s too late at night for me to think this hard. Good post.