The Shafia murder trial has come to an end in Kingston, Ontario. This is the sordid tale of the deaths of four women, a co-wife and three daughters of a patriarchal father who appears to have brought disturbing values from another land and imposed them in the form of murder. During the trial of the father, the other wife, and a son, we heard of the dishonourable practice of "honour killing." It would appear that these four women were murdered because they had adopted Western perceptions of personal freedom which were unacceptable to the three co-defendants.
At the Epiphany Explorations conference in Victoria a participant asked about so-called "honour killings" after a presentation by theologian Richard Rohr. Rohr had spoken about the "honour/shame" society in which Jesus lived and taught. In these societies, which still exist, honour is paramount. The integrity of the family, the ability to marry, opportunities to make a living, depend on observance of the honour code. Rohr was quick to say that there is no justification for killing anyone in the name of honour, but these murders may be the chilling outcome of taking this code to the extreme.
It was an important reminder that we probably read the bible with little sense of the original context. And that in a society which is increasingly diverse we aren't aware of what motivates some of those who are neighbours from other cultures.
Since I first posted this blog entry all three have been convicted of first-degree murder which means a minimum of twenty five years in prison. The sentence fits the crime and is just. But the presentations in Victoria did give me some insight into what motivated them.
Have you followed this story? Do you know much about honour/shame cultures? Other observations or thoughts?
It's a sad story, and yet another example of the damage that dogmatic application of a certain value system can inflict.
ReplyDeleteNothing (short of self defence) can justify taking the life of another person. I can't imagine doing this to anyone I cared about (or doing this PERIOD.)
As you have shared a little of the presentation you attended on honour/shame societies it has made me feel a tiny bit of understanding for this father.....but to honour human life must trump all else, honourable in our minds or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened was misogyny and domestic abuse at its worst. While notions of honour were obviously involved, this just can't happen here in Canada, or anywhere for that matter.
ReplyDeleteThanks to both of you.