So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
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Lesson 1: The Need for Forgiveness
Read MORE: Lesson 1: The Need for ForgivenessOur society has pretty much lost the value of forgiveness. Well, people do forgive one another, but it is an act between individuals that signifies regret for something they have done. Saying you are sorry is only a small part…
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Lesson 2: Jesus on Forgiveness
Read MORE: Lesson 2: Jesus on ForgivenessJesus’ ministry highlighted forgiveness. The Old Testament law and prophets certainly recognized God’s mercy and lovingkindness at various points, but Jesus went much further. He proclaimed God as Father far more than as king. Teachings like the Prodigal Son pictured…
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Lesson 3: Forgiveness in the Bible Story
Read MORE: Lesson 3: Forgiveness in the Bible StoryHaving looked at the prominent place of forgiveness in Jesus’ message, we should open up our study to the entire Bible. It, of course, deals with the relationship between God and humanity and, consequently, the way humans relate to each…
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Lesson 4: Forgiving Oneself
Read MORE: Lesson 4: Forgiving OneselfHaving established that forgiveness is an intrinsic part of Christian love, I’d like to look at some of the issues. The first is the ability to forgive yourself. Even though you might be convinced God has absolved you, it’s impossible…
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Lesson 5: Cheap Grace
Read MORE: Lesson 5: Cheap GraceDietrich Bonhoeffer is usually cited for drawing our attention to cheap grace. He defined it as “preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance… grace without discipleship.” He was criticizing the Lutheran church for not opposing the Nazi regime. Most of its pastors…
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Lesson 6: Forgive and Forget
Read MORE: Lesson 6: Forgive and ForgetYou often hear people say they’re willing to forgive someone who offended them, but they’re not going to forget what they did. Their intention is to make clear they’re not naïve. Forgiveness will not open the way for the offender…
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Lesson 7: Conclusion to Forgiveness
Read MORE: Lesson 7: Conclusion to ForgivenessI decided to write this series after being disturbed by powerful people claiming forgiveness is for losers. People around me also seemed to have difficulty saying, “I’m sorry!” or “Please forgive me!” And of course, my Roman Catholic friends were…
Recent Comments
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!
yes we need to forgive our leaders yet make sure they do the right thing – which they aren’t.