Humans call abuse cyclical for a reason. When you only see one tool to deal with a problem, you solve your problems with it. And this one I can't even say was one of your inventions.
It's Heaven's.
God has been largely absent since Lucy's little snit fit of a Rebellion. If She's still paying any kind of attention, She has a funny way of showing it, which is to say none at all. There's no answer to questions of any kind, and the last time anyone tried asking they got thrown out for their trouble, which doesn't exactly inspire confidence in doing so. So everyone who's left Upstairs is... well. They're winging it, for lack of a better phrase, but they've convinced themselves there's a Plan and rigid adherence to the Plan is the only way forward.
But no one knows what the Plan is. They pass that uncertainty down the chain. Obey orders, but fuck if we're going to tell you what the orders are until you screw up. Aziraphale's the only angel deserving of the name and they treat him like shit for daring to be kind and look out for humanity.
Hell's no better, but they're at least open in their menace. You know it's going to be unpleasant. They make a production out of it, and a lot of it comes from bitterness over how poorly flouncing out or being tossed out, depending on exactly who you ask, went.
Anyway.
I can see where imposed remorse is a troubling idea - you're welcome for the free will, by the way - but arguably, it's the consequence of his previous freely made choices, and he's been more than happy to impose his will on others. Humans tend to call that 'crime.'
How he could win if you take away his power is all down to you. How often has he torn down someone he believes wronged him to nothing? Got another tool in your arsenal to handle what comes after the satisfaction of seeing him squirm a little?
Or are you stuck in the cycle created by him showing you that's the only tool you'll ever need?
no subject
It's Heaven's.
God has been largely absent since Lucy's little snit fit of a Rebellion. If She's still paying any kind of attention, She has a funny way of showing it, which is to say none at all. There's no answer to questions of any kind, and the last time anyone tried asking they got thrown out for their trouble, which doesn't exactly inspire confidence in doing so. So everyone who's left Upstairs is... well. They're winging it, for lack of a better phrase, but they've convinced themselves there's a Plan and rigid adherence to the Plan is the only way forward.
But no one knows what the Plan is. They pass that uncertainty down the chain. Obey orders, but fuck if we're going to tell you what the orders are until you screw up. Aziraphale's the only angel deserving of the name and they treat him like shit for daring to be kind and look out for humanity.
Hell's no better, but they're at least open in their menace. You know it's going to be unpleasant. They make a production out of it, and a lot of it comes from bitterness over how poorly flouncing out or being tossed out, depending on exactly who you ask, went.
Anyway.
I can see where imposed remorse is a troubling idea - you're welcome for the free will, by the way - but arguably, it's the consequence of his previous freely made choices, and he's been more than happy to impose his will on others. Humans tend to call that 'crime.'
How he could win if you take away his power is all down to you. How often has he torn down someone he believes wronged him to nothing? Got another tool in your arsenal to handle what comes after the satisfaction of seeing him squirm a little?
Or are you stuck in the cycle created by him showing you that's the only tool you'll ever need?