Don't Misunderstand the White Christian Reaction to Forgiveness

Yesterday afternoon Jemar Tisby published an essay at the Washington Post with the rather provocative title, "White Christians, do not cheapen the hug and message of forgiveness from Botham Jean's brother." As is so often the case, the essay is far more interesting and nuanced than the title implies. He makes two powerful and related points. First, when a black man is gunned down unjustly, the black community (and not just the man's family) feels real pain. Brandt Jean's act is thus a personal act, not one that can be imputed beyond him. That is certainly true.