In Theory:

Football player Michael Vick was signed to play with the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Vick has apologized profusely for his involvement in dog fighting, and many have considered giving him a chance to redeem himself and get his life back on track. But others feel that Vick should not have gotten a second chance and instead should have been banned from the NFL. What do you believe is the value in giving someone a second chance to redeem and improve themselves? Should people be given second chances all of the time (based on the theory that humans learn from their mistakes), or on a case-by-case basis? What does your faith teach about giving people second chances?

We all make mistakes — some of us make bigger mistakes than others. Should we be given a second chance? The answer is yes, at least in most instances.

And equally important, we should extend our hand out and help individuals succeed in their “second chances.” As described in Luke 15, Jesus taught the publicans and sinners three important parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son. Each parable describes the importance of helping others to overcome their shortcomings, repent and return to the fold.

Michael Vick is a talented athlete who had it all, so to speak, but lost much by making poor decisions.

In the Eagles’ press conference that announced his signing, he said: “I know I’ve done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake. Now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem.”

All eyes are now on Vick to see if he fulfills this commitment. This will not be easy for him, as the press will follow his every move, and he will need help.

Vick’s opportunity to return to, and ultimately succeed in, the NFL goes beyond Michael Vick.

He has a tremendous mentor in Tony Dungy, a former NFL coach. Dungy is a very religious person and has reached out for years to individuals in prison, such as Vick, who deserve a second chance. Dungy has experienced first-hand the pain of losing a son who made poor decisions.

Vick’s new head coach, Andy Reid, also understands the pain of wayward sons. Two of his sons have been imprisoned for drug-related activities. Reid, an active Mormon, said in the Philadelphia Inquirer: “I’m a believer that as long as people go through the right process, they deserve a second chance. Michael has done that.”