Novelist Joy Kogawa and Metta disagree about the conditions under which it is wise to forgive others for their transgressions. As a devout Christian, Joy believes that we should always be unconditionally forgiving, as Christ was on the cross when he forgave the people killing him. Metta argues that it is socially necessary, hence morally obligatory, to uphold standards of behavior and forgive only those who show remorse for their serious misdeeds.