OPINION:
A version of this story appeared in the Higher Ground newsletter from The Washington Times. Click here to receive Higher Ground delivered directly to your inbox each Sunday.
In a grievance culture haplessly built by the fetid bricks of hatred and divisiveness, it’s rare to see a person of note pause, reflect and offer sincere contemplation.
Yet that’s exactly what actor and comedian Rob Schneider did in a recent social media post celebrating his 60th birthday. The “Saturday Night Live” alumnus detailed his newfound faith, his thoughts on atheists’ errors, and he offered atonement for his past seemingly gruff and harsh politicking.
The irony is that the man who has sparked so many laughs through slapstick and chucklehead comedy ended up delivering one of the most essential and poignant lessons for such a time as this — a missive every American should ponder in the throes of a chaotic societal schema.
“As I am a new convert to Catholicism, I offer my apology for my lack of Christ’s forgiveness to my fellow man,” Mr. Schneider boldly wrote in his Oct. 31 post, seemingly expressing regret for past conduct, particularly surrounding COVID-19. “I was so angry at the people who shut down schools and indeed the world, and who coerced others to do things against their will which hurt many people deeply.”
If there was any mistaking the depths of the actor’s contrition, he added, “I offer my unconditional forgiveness and amnesty.”
These are stark and divergent departures from Mr. Schneider’s past comments about COVID-19, as he was a vociferous opponent of various government mandates. Just this past May, the comedian delivered a scorching rebuke of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and others.
“Seeing Jimmy Kimmel on TV saying unvaccinated people should not be helped at hospitals, Neil Young asking to censor Joe Rogan and the vile spewed at Eric Clapton just for going public with his vax injury were for me, disgusting and unforgivable,” Mr. Schneider wrote.
Just months later, he’s quite publicly turning the other cheek and seemingly abandoning the idea that anyone is truly unpardonable. With his latest remarks, the comedian offered a rare and startling reprieve from societal anger, especially in an era in which most people rarely take the time to offer any semblance of self-analysis, let alone grace to their fellow man.
Mr. Schneider not only offered a blueprint for self-correction, he also provided specific examples of where he had gone wrong — and how he introspectively came around to such a public penance.
“How can I continue to hold a grudge against the actor who shamed people like me but has been such a great example for other actors to never give up and keep fighting for their dreams,” Mr. Schneider rhetorically asked. “How can I still be mad at the lovely actress that said she could no longer be friends with people like me who didn’t ‘get’ it, knowing how incredibly kind she is with every child she meets.”
Despite anger over COVID-19 lockdowns and the reactions that followed, Mr. Schneider has chosen to see humanity amid frustration’s fog, opting to allow the good in each ideological opponent to eclipse the bad just enough for him to remember their bright spots.
Unlike so many who wrongly assume absolution is about freeing the opposing party from guilt, the actor expressed the true meaning of forgiveness, calling it a gift humans give themselves — a godsend that “frees us as the Christ intends for all of us to be free.”
It seems Mr. Schneider’s pondering of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity — which offers each person the ultimate chance at forgiveness and second chances — is changing the way he views and interacts with others, including his “enemies.”
And that’s exactly the call we see Jesus giving believers throughout the New Testament, with promptings to “love God” and “love others.” The Apostle Paul captures the extent of this grace when he tells followers in Romans 12 to “bless those who persecute you.”
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil,” Paul continues. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” Talk about a counter-culture message.
Fortunately for all of us, Mr. Schneider is sharing this lesson at a time when people truly need it, as hopelessness, sadness and pain rage. In a culture obsessed with the self, so many are desperately seeking something transcendent, meaningful — and eternal.
Somehow, Mr. Schneider is the unlikely voice pointing people in the right direction, urging fans to love one another. And though it might seem cliche or unattainable, the quest to heed that call is the starting point we need for a more sane and fruitful future.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Hallowell is the author of four books.
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