Forgiving A Sinner

from Ben's mom

I've been amazed at the vitriolic statements pouring forth from media, Hollywood, and some in the Jewish community directed toward Mel Gibson. Yes, Mel did a horrible thing and he made some horrible statements. And he will pay a penalty for his actions, in the form of money, community service, jail time or a combination of all three. He may have lost his license to drive for awhile too.

But when was the last time you heard a celebrity say he was sorry and admit to a crime (probably against all advice from his lawyer)? How often does someone in our society take responsibility for their actions and try to make amends? Is there anyone else in movieland that would actually ask for forgiveness for their poor behavior?

And how often does a very drunk person make statements for which they are ashamed and which don't represent their true views? (Yes, there may be a basis to the idea that one might reveal some of the darkest feelings, but then Gibson has acknowledged that he was raised by an anti-Semite father and he has likely been hearing this garbage all his life.)

Apparently if one is a celebrity alcoholic, one is supposed to go to the Betty Ford Center and no where else. At least that's what I think this writer is getting at. He also did a nice job of adding words to Gibson's statement stating that he called himself a "raging out-of-control alcoholic for years." In fact, Gibson stated only that he had "battled the disease of alcoholism all of his adult life." Battling a disease and having it be raging and out of control are very different things. And apparently Gibson shouldn't be allowed to assess whether he might do better in a day-treatment center with the support of his family, church and community.

I don't expect Hollywood or the media to give him a pass. But I wonder if this were Tom Hanks or a someone that hadn't made Hollywood and the media look foolish in the past if the reaction would be the same. Gibson made a lot of enemies when his overtly Christian film (The Passion of the Christ) got made and then did very well despite Hollywood's attempts to stop it. And he has been taking heat lately for making another film (Apocalypto) outside the Hollywood formula, as well as for sinking a great deal of money into building a church near his Malibu home.

I am sorry for Mel's fall and the damage he has done. But I find an apology and admission of guilt a refreshing novelty. And I wish him success.