Do you believe people can reform?

[Thudpucker]

I started a thread like this once that was really interesting, because it's such a good topic. But It's lost, and I can't remember what most people thought.

Do you guys believe someone can reform, truely change? Do you believe in repenting for sins, paying a debt, and then getting a clean slate?

Are there some crimes or acts that can never be forgiven? Are there some people who, once they become a certian way, will never be anything else?

[Keith P.]

No, Thudpucker, I'll never forgive you for that night at summer camp.

[mayhemspider]

people can reform. i've seen it several times. its what my profession is all about.

[WAKKAJAWAKKA]

Yes.

Wayno.

[DigiEmissary]

It can happen. Most of the time it won't.

[Ray G.]

Yeah, I think so to a certain level. A person who commits a crime can always have a change of heart and realize the harm they caused to others. That's why I oppose long prison terms for any first-time non violent offenders, and I oppose prison entirely for virtually all financial and drug crimes. What purpose does it serve to lock someone up, where they get hardened by the prison life and likely come out more violent than they came in? In the case of murderers, they need to be locked up for the rest of their lives, but in the case of all other crimes, we should be concentrating on rehabilitation and training.

[Natty P]

The answer, like most important questions, is yes and no.

[Thudpucker]

No, Thudpucker, I'll never forgive you for that night at summer camp.

I cherish that night forever, and never be sorry

[Keith P.]

I cherish that night forever, and never be sorry

I was scared for awhile cause Tommy Weinberger told me I would get pregnant in the butt.

[Opus Croakus]

Is it possible for people to truly reform? I believe so, yes.
Of course, you still need to pay the price for your mistakes, and you can never force the people you've wronged to forgive you (they have to do that on their own terms).