For discussion: Bearing the burden of memory pain

Questions for reflecting on and discussing the feature article, Bearing the Burden of Memory Pain (Sept. 29, 2014 issue) 

September 24, 2014 | Feature
By Barb Draper |

1. Henry Neufeld writes that, “[o]ur memories are prone to distortion.” Do you agree? Have you ever been faced with evidence that you remembered something inaccurately? Do your memories of a situation or an event sometimes differ from the memories of others?

2. What happens when we repeatedly recall unpleasant memories? How can we reduce the amount of time we spend mulling over hurtful events in the past? What advice does Miroslav Volf give regarding negative memories? Do you think this advice is realistic?

3. Can you think of examples of people who have been able to let go of their negative memories and move beyond resentment? What has allowed them to make peace with the past? What does it mean to be “oriented toward the future”?

4. What is the relationship between forgiveness and painful memories? Is a willingness to accept suffering helpful or harmful when it comes to facing a difficult past? How can we work at remembering truthfully?

--Posted Sept. 24, 2014

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