David Augsburger, Caring Enough to Forgive, Caring Enough Not to Forgive; True Forgiveness, False Forgiveness. Regal Books, 1981.
Referenced in: Church Conflict – Communication, Healthy Behavior, Forgiveness
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is actually two books in one. Both are written by best-selling author, David Augsburger, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Fuller Theological Seminary. The strength of Augsburger’s volumes is that they are thoroughly biblical and expressed with the empathy and realism one would expect from a therapist. Augsburger deals with some of the tough questions such as, “What is biblical repentance, forgiveness, confession?” “Can I forgive someone who does not repent?” “Does God expect me to reenter a relationship of trust with the person who has hurt me?” Each chapter in both books is followed by two distinct exercises:
- “Exploring the Biblical Basis,” which expounds upon the biblical texts that form the foundation of the chapter contents
- “For Further Experience,” which presents one personal exercise and one small group exercise
Helpful charts, tables, and drawings are placed throughout the book to clarify the concepts.
The first book, Caring Enough to Forgive, discusses true forgiveness in five chapters:
- Realizing wrongdoing
- Reaffirming love
- Releasing the past
- Renewing repentance,
- Rediscovering community
The second book, Caring Enough Not to Forgive, discusses false forgiveness by saying Don’t Forgive…
- When “Forgiveness” Puts You One-Up
- When “Forgiveness” is One-Way
- When “Forgiveness” Distorts Feelings
- When “Forgiveness” Denies Anger
- When “Forgiveness” Ends Open Relationships
This resource is an excellent tool for both personal and small group Bible study. It is perfect for anyone or any church that is struggling to give the past, present, and future to God relative to a hurt.
Two other volumes on forgiveness from Augsburger:
- David Augsburger, The New Freedom of Forgiveness, 3rd edition. Moody Publishers, 2000. “In The New Freedom of Forgiveness, Dr. Augsburger expands upon his classics listed above to provide a more comprehensive, expanded, and stronger message. Combining personal testimonies with Scripture, Dr. Augsburger provides readers with practical guidance on applying forgiveness in our everyday lives. With an excellent new study guide, readers will be challenged on an even deeper level. We are commanded to forgive everything. Not just the little stuff, the minor irritations and thoughtless behavior of others. But everything. When we forgive, we are set free from bondage.”
- David Augsburger, Helping People Forgive. Westminster/John Knox Press, 1981. This is an advanced tool for ministers and other helping professionals who help others through the struggles of forgiveness. One will not find a more thorough discussion of the spiritual, emotional, and psychological dynamics of forgiveness and how to help people through the journey.
About the Author
David Augsburger has taught for many years at Fuller Theological Seminary.
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