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Christianity Today, April (Web-only), 2009 |

Theology in the News

When Hope Feels Like a Fool's Errand

What the Cross and Resurrection teach us about forgiveness.

Collin Hansen | posted 4/06/2009 10:27AM

Katherine Ann Olson packed her car's backseat with children's books before she drove to her babysitting job on October 27, 2007. The 24-year-old Minneapolis woman was answering a post at Craigslist.org. ...

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Philip

Posted: April 14, 2009 8:04 AM


In both the cases above; due process of law delivered a punishment. In many cases the perpetrator seems to go scot free- the offence has perhaps not gone to trial in the courts of human law. Even after many attempts the anger and desire to avenge keeps returning - calling for a degree of submission to God's justice and sovereignty- which only such an affront can bring.

Catherine

Posted: April 11, 2009 10:48 AM

I strongly disagree with the concept that our forgiveness is conditional upon our repentance. If God will only forgive those things I have repented of, then my forgiveness is in my hands and under my control. My reading of Scripture confirms to me that the forgiveness of God is freely offered to all who will accept it, and produces a repentant and contrite heart in those who do accept. It is by accepting God's saving work in Jesus, and acknowledging Jesus as Lord, that we are forgiven; repentance follows that acceptance as the response of a saved heart toward its savior.

Skip	Posted: April 07, 2009 1:44 PM

We are not told to forgive with conditions, but simply to forgive. Our forgiveness does not involve forgiving someones sins. We are able to forgive without condition because we know that God will deal with the offender in His time. Either there will be confession and repentance leading to salvation or condemnation and judgment from God. That is what takes away the need for us to demand any condition upon which to base our forgiveness.

p	Posted: April 07, 2009 5:49 AM


not even hate's a sin, not even revenge. isn't it a disposal of this worst contamination on earth? not for this to be, plan global population before prometheus' rock roll downhill again.

Ephrem Hagos

Posted: April 07, 2009 12:33 AM


If Hansen's article represents even the tip of the iceberg in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ --a completely different and forgotten story, Christian hope is indeed reduced to "a fool's errand"!

lori	Posted: April 06, 2009 7:34 PM

The author is unclear in his quotations concerning forgiveness; when is God's forgiveness referenced and when is he referring to people's? This article is disappointing: more like a rough draft and not like what I'm accustomed to reading in CT. Either the topic is too broad, or the coverage is too sketchy and elementary. There is just SO much that could be, should be, said on this poignant matter.

t	Posted: April 06, 2009 7:19 PM


God forgives and we should forgive even when the full sentence is passed and served. Just because we forgive and God forgives does not mean the penalty won't be paid in full. But vengeance including wrath belongs to the LORD and for our own sake we should not bear a grudge.

alison

Posted: April 06, 2009 6:32 PM


I said "included." I meant "inclined."

Abundant Life

Posted: April 06, 2009 5:18 PM

Barbara wrote: "Our own healing when others have injured us cannot even begin until we have forgiven." I don't think that's true when we're talking about the deep soul anguish caused by the evil acts of others. Knowing we’ve been wronged is not judging; it is recognizing evil for what it is. God doesn't withhold His healing while our soul continues to bleed. He meets us where we are, in the very midst of our grief and sorrow. Read the Psalms and notice how often David cried out to Him in anger and fear, wishing death for his enemies. The sin is not in experiencing a human response to suffering; the sin lies in what we do with it. What we must never do is turn our face away from God. When we trust Him enough to pour out our anger, humiliation, doubt, and even desire for revenge to Him, He hears us with compassion—and that's where the healing begins. Forgiveness, like a scar, is often the EVIDENCE of God's work; thankfully, it is NOT the prerequisite for it.

Dave Jones

Posted: April 06, 2009 4:04 PM


I think God's grace must be involved in our forgiveness of others. We are sinners, after all, and we forgive as sinners. That forgiveness is imperfect. We need to remember the humility of Christ, and in gratitude for His sacrifice and perfect forgiveness, ask for the grace to forgive those who have wronged us.

David Neff (Registered User)

Posted: April 06, 2009 4:01 PM


Collin, you cite an author who writes: "Biblical forgiveness is conditioned on repentance." But Luther disagreed that God's forgiveness was conditioned on (what they then called) "perfect contrition." This was a point of difference between Luther and the Roman Church of his time. It's right there in the 95 theses.

alison

Posted: April 06, 2009 2:57 PM


I'm not sure that's true Barbara. Could you give an example of who you had to forgive, for what and how? Maybe if you put your words into a context relating to the story then it will make more sense. I am more included to go along with the Scripture that says, "... and if they repent, forgive them."

Barbara

Posted: April 06, 2009 1:15 PM

There are two appropriate scriptures for Christians: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," and "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Our own healing when others have injured us cannot even begin until we have forgiven. Justice is God's prerogative, and He alone can know all and judge all. As Christians, we are required to forgive unconditionally and leave the rest in God's hands.

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