http://www.miromagazine.com/theatre/christine-daae-gaslighting/
This article has some good points as well as a point or two that I disagree with.
1. I vehemently disagree with barring people like Othello from getting rehab
Othello murdered his wife because Iago deceived him into believing she was unfaithful. I am not excusing Othello's actions at all. I am pointing out that Iago's deception complicates the situation. Othello is responsible for killing his wife, but he wouldn't have killed her if Iago hadn't deceived him and committed the sin of calumny. Giving someone every chance to change their ways is a huge theme of my Catholic faith and one of my biggest values. As long as someone is alive, they have a chance to change their ways. I know our society cannot forgive some crimes, but there is nothing God can't forgive. As a Catholic Christian, I am encouraged to forgive people when they do wrong, even really bad sins and crimes.
2. Christine showing the Phantom unconditional love
I don't understand why some people have such a big problem with this part. Yes, I do cheer when this part happens, but not because I want Christine to stay with the Phantom at this point. It is because her unconditional love makes him realize that what he was doing and had done was wrong. It's the part where she was willing to lay down her life and as a result, he gets redeemed and that speaks volumes to my Christian heart.
