Overview
Although the Gospels suggest that forgiveness is essential to Christian life, forgiveness in some situations seems impossible. One wonders, for example, how Christians can realistically forgive those who betray the trust of close relationships. Would Christian forgiveness demand that children abused by caretakers respond to their perpetrators with unconditional regard? Would a spouse, even when a partner shows little or no movement towards reformation, be required to forgive repeatedly? Is Forgiveness Possible? explores the theological foundations of such forgiveness dilemmas by studying and then facilitating dialogue between the prayer of forgiveness found in Luke/Acts and American pastoral forgiveness theory. This dialogue raises insights helpful to Christians pondering forgiveness dilemmas.Synopsis
Although the Gospels suggest that forgiveness is essential to Christian life, forgiveness in some situations seems impossible. One wonders, for example, how Christians can realistically forgive those who betray the trust of close relationships. Would Christian forgiveness demand that children abused by caretakers respond to their perpetrators with unconditional regard? Would a spouse, even when a partner shows little or no movement towards reformation, be required to forgive repeatedly? Is Forgiveness Possible? explores the theological foundations of such forgiveness dilemmas by studying and then facilitating dialogue between the prayer of forgiveness found in Luke/Acts and American pastoral forgiveness theory. This dialogue raises insights helpful to Christians pondering forgiveness dilemmas.