Forgiveness
Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear
Published on 20. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-1-58743-607-9 (ISBN)
Description
"But if I forgive them, doesn't that mean they get away with it?"
In a culture shaped by outrage, punishment, and fear, forgiveness is often misunderstood--or dismissed entirely. It can feel impractical, unjust, or even harmful to our mental health.
But what if the opposite is true?
In Forgiveness, public theologian Amy Orr-Ewing explores why forgiveness is not a denial of justice but a powerful path toward healing, freedom, and hope--for individuals and for society. Drawing from theology, psychology, history, and literature, she examines
? why forgiveness is essential to emotional and mental well-being;
? how outrage and cancel culture damage individuals and communities;
? why forgiveness does not excuse harm, but can uphold justice;
? what the Christian vision of forgiveness offers that secular approaches cannot; and
? how breaking cycles of resentment can lead to genuine freedom.
Written for anyone wrestling with anger, hurt, or division--and especially for Christians seeking to live faithfully in a fractured world--this book offers a compelling vision of forgiveness that restores individuals, renews communities, and opens a way forward.
Forgiveness is not weakness. It may be the most powerful response we have.
In a culture shaped by outrage, punishment, and fear, forgiveness is often misunderstood--or dismissed entirely. It can feel impractical, unjust, or even harmful to our mental health.
But what if the opposite is true?
In Forgiveness, public theologian Amy Orr-Ewing explores why forgiveness is not a denial of justice but a powerful path toward healing, freedom, and hope--for individuals and for society. Drawing from theology, psychology, history, and literature, she examines
? why forgiveness is essential to emotional and mental well-being;
? how outrage and cancel culture damage individuals and communities;
? why forgiveness does not excuse harm, but can uphold justice;
? what the Christian vision of forgiveness offers that secular approaches cannot; and
? how breaking cycles of resentment can lead to genuine freedom.
Written for anyone wrestling with anger, hurt, or division--and especially for Christians seeking to live faithfully in a fractured world--this book offers a compelling vision of forgiveness that restores individuals, renews communities, and opens a way forward.
Forgiveness is not weakness. It may be the most powerful response we have.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ada, MI
United States
Publishing group
Baker Publishing Group
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 214 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
224 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-58743-607-9 (9781587436079)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Amy Orr-Ewing (DPhil, University of Oxford) is an international speaker, theologian, and public advocate for the Christian faith. She is the author of many books, including Mary's Voice, Where Is God in All the Suffering?, and Why Trust the Bible? Orr-Ewing has spoken in the UK Parliament, the US Capitol, and the West Wing of the White House. She is also an honorary lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and a distinguished scholar at Wheaton College. She lives near Oxford, England, with her husband and their three sons.
Content
Contents
Introduction
1. Forgiveness as a Radical Possibility for a Great Human Need
2. Forgiveness as a Welcome Challenge to a Punitive World
3. Forgiveness as a Theological Marvel and Gift to the World
4. Forgiveness as an Embodied Gift Lived Out in Reality
5. Forgiveness as a Healer Acquainted with Trauma
6. Forgiveness as a Gift to Any Who Experience Anxiety
7. Forgiveness as a Story We All Want to Be In
8. Forgiveness as an Integral Part of Flourishing Community
9. Forgiveness as a Defining Characteristic of Western Civilization
10. Forgiveness as a Guide in Our Struggle for Healthy National Identity
Conclusion
Introduction
1. Forgiveness as a Radical Possibility for a Great Human Need
2. Forgiveness as a Welcome Challenge to a Punitive World
3. Forgiveness as a Theological Marvel and Gift to the World
4. Forgiveness as an Embodied Gift Lived Out in Reality
5. Forgiveness as a Healer Acquainted with Trauma
6. Forgiveness as a Gift to Any Who Experience Anxiety
7. Forgiveness as a Story We All Want to Be In
8. Forgiveness as an Integral Part of Flourishing Community
9. Forgiveness as a Defining Characteristic of Western Civilization
10. Forgiveness as a Guide in Our Struggle for Healthy National Identity
Conclusion