Jean Vanier Becoming Human Analysis

As long as an advanced consciousness and self-awareness has been present, so has the unavoidable chasm of existentialism. The human condition is a hotly conversed topic, how should we treat each other, what social obligations do we hold each other to? Countless people have searched for the answer in the teachings of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity. Christianity is the most prominent religion in the West, and has long been a beacon of hope for anyone trying to answer difficult questions about the human condition. Jesus offers hope for those who are lonely, preaches love for all and forgiveness. Jean Vanier addresses some of these concerns in his book Becoming Human. A religious man, he founded L 'Arche, a refuge for people with physical and mental disabilities. The first chapter of his book explores a depressing reality in many lives, especially those with disabilities, loneliness. He does acknowledge that loneliness does have some positive aspects, like creative inspiration and closeness to God (Vanier 8). But for the most part, loneliness is a negative force, dragging unhappy individuals father down a pit of despair and misery. A …show more content…
Vanier writes, that forgiveness is important to helping liberate people from cycles of hatred (Vanier 153). Most conflict builds because of the eye-for-eye policy that many people hold. Retaliate if you are stuck, and the conflict escalates from there. Jesus preached a very different message, a very controversial one. His preaching aligns with Vanier 's, even during moments of agony. When Jesus is on the cross he pleads, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do...” (Luke 23: 34). If Jesus is capable of forgiving his abusers, then regular people should be expected to forgive others for transgressions. It is also an important part of the Lord 's Prayer. By forgiving each other, humanity can break the cycle of hate and ascend to something more