Authentic Forgiveness: A Biblical Approach (Global Perspectives Series)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
No one can avoid conflict, sin, and evil, or the hurt and brokenness they cause. The best way to transform conflict and hurt from being life-destructive to being life-constructive is to forgive and to be forgiven.
Authentic, biblically based forgiveness is a gift that God offers to humanity so that hurt can be healed, the cycle of retaliation broken, a painful past soothed, and estranged relationships reconciled and restored. Dr John Tran explains how forgiveness in both Western and Chinese cultures differs from the practice outlined in God’s word. Authentic Forgiveness calls us to examine our own cultural traditions and points us towards the search for true reconciliation, where people risk to communicate, extend trust, and work through anger and pain. Combining biblical and theological understanding with practical strategies for local church ministry, Tran offers an inspiring paradigm of action for Christians in urban Asian contexts and beyond.
- Explores authentic, biblically based forgiveness
- Offers an inspiring paradigm of action for Christians in urban Asian contexts and beyond
- Points us towards the search for true reconciliation
- Location, Location, Location: Forgiving in a Chinese Context
- Influences That Shape and Distort Perceptions and the Practice of Forgiveness
- Broken Relationships: Seven Voices Speak about Forgiveness
- Foundations of Authentic Forgiveness
- Practice: A Plan of Action for Your Church
- Practice: Implementing the Plan in Your Church
- Final Words: As We Have Been Forgiven, so Forgive
- Appendix A: Sermon Series Topics and Scriptures
- Appendix B: Authentic Forgiveness Questionnaire: Sample Questions
Forgiveness is easy—until you meet real people! John Tran has given us the gift of a theologically articulate and practical resource for helping people in a local congregation to forgive each other and engage more deeply in community ... Whenever people gather together, hurt, offense, and violence are often realities that must be dealt with. As Christ followers, we cannot avoid these realities but must work through these challenges and practice authentic forgiveness in our faith communities. Tran guides us on that path – biblically and practically.
—Kurt Fredrickson, PhD
In proposing a strategy to implement the biblical vision of forgiveness in a local context, this book situates itself at the intersection of theological, cultural, and ecclesial concerns and practices. Through the lens of a wider redemptive historical framework embedded in the biblical text, it provides a strong and effective critique of both the “eastern” prioritization of social harmony and the “western” preoccupation with self-healing. The particularity of its context allows for a wider application in a time when Christian communities are increasingly finding themselves blessed by culturally diverse groups of believers. As such, this book deserves a place on the shelves of conscientious pastors and Christian leaders.
—David W. Pao, PhD