Replies

SB: No one is responsible for the sins of his ancestors.

I am strongly inclined to agree with you on this point. I think that one can very effectively argue that those who do not condone the sins of their ancestors cannot be held responsible for them. However, it appears that many disagree with us. As one example, consider John Paul II’s “apology” in March, 2000. He said, "We are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer, and asking your forgiveness, we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood." Forgiveness cannot be sought unless one accepts responsibility. If JPII does not accept responsibility for the past sins of others, his apology is meaningless. Webster’s states that, “Apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without references to palliating circumstances.”

SB: For that matter, no one is responsible for the sins of anyone other than himself.

Again, if one does not condone those sins, I whole-heartily agree. But, one can share responsibility for the sins of others; e.g. tempting someone to sin. Our Lord said, “But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a mill-stone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Bishop Challoner comments: “That is, shall put a stumbling-block in their way, and cause them to fall into sin.”

SB: This is ridiculous: "The Jews invoked responsibility for themselves and their posterity"

In that the Jews accepted responsibility for the act, for themselves and their children, when Pilate said that he washed his hands of it, this is not ridiculous and is merely a statement of fact for those who accept St. Matthew’s Gospel account of the Passion. They said, “His blood be upon us, and upon our children.” They could certainly accept responsibility for themselves, for they had the power to stop it. However, it does not seem possible for them to bind their posterity with the responsibility; unless, of course, that posterity condones it.

I particularly like St. Chrysostom’s commentary: “Still the God of all mercies did not literally comply with their impious prayer. For, of these children he selected some for himself; amongst the rest even Paul, and many thousands who were converted at Jerusalem.” I think his point that God does not hold this responsibility as unforgivable is important and well taken.

The purpose of my original post is to try and understand the concept of “collective responsibility” and whether this idea has any validity. I wish to thank you for your remarks, although, some explanation would have been more helpful. Any further criticism would be greatly appreciated.