Review: "Justice and Forgiveness"

Forgiveness and Justice:  a Christian Approach by Bryan Maier is a helpful primer for pastors and counselors considering what the Scriptures teach about forgiveness and justice, as well as how to counsel those how come to them having been hurt.  This is not a book for counselees or parishioners.

 Maier begins by arguing that a new definition of forgiveness is necessary s our culture confuses forgiveness and understanding (9ff).  I.e., forgiving someone for what he did is not the same as understanding what or why he did what he did.

Scripturally, he looks at a number of models of forgiveness (26).

As Maier builds his definition, he argues that one must recognize the truth of the victim.  In order for there to be reconciliation, the perpetrator must recognize his sin, repent, confess, ask for forgiveness – forgiveness and the restoration of the relationship (if there was one) is seen in the light of the Gospel.

This book is useful in working with a client and serves as a good guide based on Scripture.  It is something a counselor would well use in preparation for speaking with someone and then for guidance as the sessions progress over time.

Maier includes some ideas for sermons (146-148) to prepare believers for what is the right process and expectations to be found in seeking and giving forgiveness and justice.

Maier ends with a section of endnotes and a lengthy bibliography.

#ForgivenessandJustice

[This review appears on my blog and on Amazon.com.  I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.]