Refreshing, accessible work on the basics of forgiveness from a Christian perspective.
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.Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-525-56074-6
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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