On Mercy: No Mercy

Of the many possible words listed about which I could write, I chose Mercy. The word, like its fellows, isn’t easily defined by concrete or physical objects, but rather, is best understood through interpersonal relationships. I recall first learning this word in Sunday school. As such, my first comprehensions to its meaning relate heavily to the Protestant Christian doctrines of Man’s fallen nature and redemption. Being that God, bound to uphold perfect justice, must exert righteous judgment, man cannot escape eternal suffering except through the mercy of God. Even in my home, my father would frequently read theological texts discussing the fine differences between generally nebulous phrases, mercy being among them. Surely, its meaning cannot be forever defined ecclesiastically, and so while I may begin an inquiry into the meaning of a word, I also hope to look deeper into my psychological roots.