Review by Booklist Review
We've all heard and struggled with the adage "forgive and forget." Theologian, pastor, and best-selling author Keller's (Hope in Times of Fear, 2021) latest work tackles this often-thorny topic. While forgiving is defined simply as renouncing revenge and being open to reconciliation, Keller expands these components thoroughly, incorporating anecdotes alongside scriptural passages. Beginning with Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant, Keller contrasts popular theories of -forgiveness--nonconditional, transactional/earned, or the lack of it--with biblical forgiveness. After examining these and noting their difficulty and mixed success, Keller argues that they overlook the critical element to true forgiveness: the vertical dimension, meaning receiving forgiveness from God, which results in the ability to extend grace and forgiveness horizontally. Keller enlarges his investigation to consider the complexity of a God who is both wrathful and loving and our need to experience healing through forgiveness. The book concludes with four helpful appendices, notably a list of practical techniques for embarking on the path to forgiving. In times where "cancelling, ghosting, and insults are the norm," this academic yet accessible discourse is timely and valuable.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Pastor Keller (Hope in Times of Fear) delivers a thorough and eloquent apologetic for forgiveness. Keller anchors his study in the Christian parable of the unforgiving servant, in which a king forgives the debt of a servant who later refuses to remit a smaller debt owed to him by another servant and is punished for his hard-heartedness. Keller outlines the elements of forgiveness, which include being humble, wishing the offending party well, and understanding that "human forgiveness is dependent on divine forgiveness." He pushes back against the rise of a contemporary "shame-and-honor culture" in which forgiveness is thought to weaken accountability and forestall justice, instead arguing that justice and forgiveness are yoked and that unity is enacted in Jesus's crucifixion and request that his persecutors be forgiven. Parsing the teachings of Paul, Keller urges readers to pray for and maintain a relationship with evildoers because "evil wins when it distorts your relationship with others." Christians whose theological understandings of the crucifixion differ from that of the author might not be persuaded by his arguments around the intersection of forgiveness and justice, but all will appreciate Keller's lucid prose and gift for succinctly summarizing biblical wisdom. The result is a thought-provoking take on how to forgive. (Nov.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Promoting the Christian concept of forgiveness to an unforgiving world. Pastor and theologian Keller, author of The Reason for God, The Meaning of Marriage, Hope in Times of Fear, and many other bestselling Christian-focused books, introduces forgiveness through the biblical parable of the unforgiving servant. Using this story, the author concludes that forgiveness, as understood in Christianity, has three dimensions: "First there is the vertical-- God's forgiveness to us. Second there is the internal--our granting forgiveness to anyone who has wronged us. Third there is the horizontal--our offer to reconcile. The horizontal is based on the internal and the internal is based on the vertical." Keller contrasts these teachings with modern culture, which is a "reverse honor culture--also called 'cancel culture'--that ends up valuing not strength but fragility and creates a society of constant good-versus-evil conflict." Such a culture "sweeps away the very concept of forgiveness and reconciliation," leaving us with a view of forgiveness as being anti-justice and anti-victim. Under such an ethos, forgiveness must be earned. After these introductory concepts, Keller goes on to explain how Christian ideas of forgiveness do indeed provide for justice, allow healing for victims, and promote a healthier society. He notes that God's offer of forgiveness for us, a motif found throughout the Hebrew Bible and Christian New Testament, is the basis on which we can forgive others. In other words, one's ability to forgive begins with an acknowledgement that all people need forgiveness. Keller also explains that forgiveness is at its best in the context of reconciliation with another. If that is not possible, then it can still be a meaningful tool in finding peace and controlling anger. The author presents a solid defense of Christian forgiveness theology within a modern, relevant context, quoting sources as varied as Augustine, Adele, Kafka, and Clint Eastwood. Refreshing, accessible work on the basics of forgiveness from a Christian perspective. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
