On Forgiveness: How Can We Forgive the Unforgiveable?

review of: On Forgiveness I learned much about the difference between seeing the world and seeing GOD'S world in this book. Apparently, Holloway sees the world. Until the end of the book. Using human psychology, and Jesus' parable, known as the Parable of the Lost Son (Lk 15:11ff), Holloway develops the notion of two modes of forgiveness (conditional and unconditional). The notion of two modes of forgiveness was new to me - new & an eye-opener. I hope I can use GOD'S mode (unconditional) - as Churchill & Lincoln did. But I'm human; I don't know. I especially liked it when Holloway talked about the "complexities of forgiveness", and our "rights" in the final chapter of this small book.

Richard Holloway once again takes a difficult topic and applies it to life with remarkable clarity. He explains complex philosophy in understandble terms. This book is a wonderful treatise on forgiveness and the necessity of forgiveness for the future well-being of the person actively forgiving more so than the person being forgiven. In a society that clings to the victim role, this book delivers a very different, much healthier view - separate the offending act from the offender. Forgive the offender and move on. Whether applied to individuals or nations, this philosophy is a timely reminder in a world on the brink of war.