An Analysis Of Atticus Finch's Discernment

What is it to be like Christ, and to bear His character? From the mere thirtysomething years that Jesus walked the earth, His every word and deed became an exemplary standard that every Christian ought to follow. Of course to die for mankind is certainly beyond anyone else’s capability, but as for in ordinary lives, Jesus Christ’s character and behavior are to be imitated and abided by. Though no one can live as flawless as Jesus did, the ones that strive to make themselves come close are to be admired. Among the many colorful figures that have been encountered with during the past semester, one of them particularly struck as the admirable someone that bore the most Christ-like characters. Atticus Finch, the father of the narrator of the novel

In this case, it stands for the ability to view the surrounding people and situations in their original way, with impartiality and understanding, while also being cautious with right timing and actions. Atticus has this unique way to see beyond the surface of matter and reach to the origin of the issue. While doing so, he tends to always be considerate and understanding of the intentions of that particular person or situation, regardless whether he himself approve of it or not. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Once he does, instead of getting agitated and disappointed by others’ offenses and fail to see things as he does, he become rather sympathetic, for they are still helplessly clueless. Does not this seem a little similar to when Jesus was dying on the cross yet were still begging for His Father’s forgiveness to the people that crucified Him “for they do not know what they are doing”? True discernment requires understanding and endurance to follow after the ability to see through current

However, when thinking about how Jesus lived fully as a man with flesh and bones, emotions and feelings, faced far more challenging temptations and trials, yet still soldiered through and stood impeccable of sins, just to help His creature to be impeccable as Him as well, this must be enough for one to at least want to make himself more like Christ. After all, a person with only few traits of Him such as Atticus is already said to be an inspiring representative of morality and reason. Therefore, if a person strives to just pursue discernment, integrity, and fortitude, he might at least be a paragon among men. In conclusion, among the countless characters of Jesus Christ, the role of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird is blessed to possess with at least three amazing ones of them. That makes him well-qualified to be a model for anyone that intends to be an upright person to imitate