The Art of Forgiveness: Theological Reflections on Healing and Reconciliation [Paperback]

Geiko Muller-Fahrenholz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1997 | ISBN-10: 2825412244 | ISBN-13: 978-2825412244

Can the theological ideas of forgiveness and reconciliation have any political relevance, given the massive inhumanities of our time, of which Auschwitz remains the most horrifying symbol? Reconciliation is a word that springs lightly from the mouths of politicians and pundits, perhaps because it never seems to have much concrete content. Forgiveness is a concept that seems shorn of its roots by the gradual disappearance of the sense of sinning against God and of the need for penance -- reducing forgiveness to a social convention (as in 'Pardon me!'). The thought that either of these theological ideas might have some political relevance seems thoroughly unconvincing in the light of the apparently unforgivable horrors of our time. This book grows out of the conviction that, as the author says, "it is necessary to think about forgiveness not in spite of Auschwitz but because of Auschwitz." Drawing on the Bible and church history, Geiko Muller-Fahrenholz shows how the idea of forgiveness has been distorted, abused and largely lost, and why it is so important to reclaim this healing art, not only in personal relations but especially in the relations between nations and peoples

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Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

About the Author

Geiko Muller-Fahrenholz is a German theologian who has served in a variety of ecumenical positions in his own country, Latin America and with the World Council of Churches.

Product Details

• Paperback: 106 pages
• Publisher: World Council of Churches (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2825412244
• ISBN-13: 978-2825412244
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,202,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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