The article by Allen C. Guelzo, “Fear of Forgiving” [Feb. 8], was outstanding. I am of the opinion that forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood subjects of the Bible. Guelzo covered all the dimensions of the subject in a clear, precise, and understandable way, making it easy to apply. Good for him!
Fred Klopfer
Canal Winchester, Ohio
When Guelzo writes, “Forgiveness does not mean pardon,” I think he is making a statement open to misinterpretation. Sometimes forgiveness does involve pardon—especially when there can be matters of “restoration” involved. What happens in the story of the Prodigal Son if not a form of actual pardon?
Tied to this is the statement that “Forgiveness is personal: it refers to the impact an offense has on you and your need to release the resentment you feel.” What about many situations in the church where judgment and forgiveness are indeed “corporate,” not just personal in the sense of an individual’s concern? There is no better example of this than in the story on page 55 of the same issue of a pastor [Gordon MacDonald] who has been restored.
Larry Isbell
Venus, Pa.
I appreciated the clarification that forgiveness was not equivalent to either pardon or excuse as some would suggest. I then read the update on David Hocking asserting his privilege to resume pastoral ministry less than three months after the revelations of his sexual misconduct were made public. Are there no consequences to this sin that has left in its aftermath a bewildered congregation of 6,000+ members?
Barbi Krome
Danville, Calif.
The point of prophecy
Everyone interested in eschatology should read carefully D. Brent Sandy’s “Did Daniel See Mussolini?” [Feb. 8]. Every Sunday when I turn on the radio or TV, I hear ...
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