What do you think?
Rate this book
Forgiveness after Trauma: A Path to Find Healing and Empowerment
Susannah Griffith wishes she had spent less time thinking about forgiveness. But as a Christian minister, a biblical scholar, and a survivor of abuse, she has learned a lot about it.
In Forgiveness after Trauma , Griffith explores what the Bible says--and doesn't say--about the biblical call to forgive. She helps readers understand this command in ways that are healing and restorative, framing it within broader concerns around lament, anger, accountability, release and rebirth, and reconciliation.
The result is what Griffith calls "trauma-informed forgiveness," which takes seriously God's forgiveness of sinners while centering survivors of abuse and aiding their healing. This view also empowers those who have been harmed in other ways by abuses of power and justice in religious institutions.
Readers will resonate with Griffith's astute biblical analysis and personal reflection, which point to God's love--a love that never includes abuse and strives for justice for the vulnerable.
In Forgiveness after Trauma , Griffith explores what the Bible says--and doesn't say--about the biblical call to forgive. She helps readers understand this command in ways that are healing and restorative, framing it within broader concerns around lament, anger, accountability, release and rebirth, and reconciliation.
The result is what Griffith calls "trauma-informed forgiveness," which takes seriously God's forgiveness of sinners while centering survivors of abuse and aiding their healing. This view also empowers those who have been harmed in other ways by abuses of power and justice in religious institutions.
Readers will resonate with Griffith's astute biblical analysis and personal reflection, which point to God's love--a love that never includes abuse and strives for justice for the vulnerable.
208 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2024
13 people are currently reading
2199 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 28, 2024
Helped me fall in love with Jesus again!
I've been struggling with what seems like contra-indicated advice in much of the Bible--forgive even when it's not safe; die to self as if you don't matter.
In this book, I found the richness of God's view of forgiveness, which makes room for lament, for anger, for accountability. And her take on the difference between reconciliation and reunification is astounding.
Really appreciated this book, and it's one that everyone needs to read.
I've been struggling with what seems like contra-indicated advice in much of the Bible--forgive even when it's not safe; die to self as if you don't matter.
In this book, I found the richness of God's view of forgiveness, which makes room for lament, for anger, for accountability. And her take on the difference between reconciliation and reunification is astounding.
Really appreciated this book, and it's one that everyone needs to read.
December 31, 2023
It's probably not surprising that there were times while reading Susannah Griffith's "Forgiveness after Trauma: A Path to Find Healing and Empowerment" that I had to stop because I was crying.
At times, I was remembering.
At times, I was reflecting.
Still other times, I was crying tears of joy at realizing that Griffith had been able to put into words what my own theological exploration of forgiveness had taught me about the often controversial role of forgiveness for survivors of trauma.
So, yes, I am a trauma survivor. I'm a paraplegic/double amputee with spina bifida. I'm also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault as an adult. My first 25 years of life or so were pretty much defined by trauma, traumas at times perpetuated by the lack of compassion around me, very often from faith communities and others in professional roles.
Life is different now, though forgiveness has always been one of those areas that has challenged me as a person of faith and simply as a human being.
So, it was with some hesitation that I approached "Forgiveness after Trauma," though I've been in the healing journey long enough to know that it's when I feel that hesitation that I need to move gently into that resistance.
I'm glad I did.
Weaving together both personal testimony and biblical exegesis, Griffith has crafted a vital and necessary story that Teresa Kim Pecinovsky has appropriately called "a trauma-informed ethic of forgiveness," a description I can't possibly say in any other way.
Griffith explores what the Bible says - and doesn't say - about the biblical call to forgive. She creates a safe literary space to explore this call and helps her readers understand this command in ways that focus on healing and restoration. She frames forgiveness around broader concerns including lament, anger, accountability, release and birth, and reconciliation - all these broader concerns receive their own chapter and are explored fully both in terms of practical counsel and theology.
Griffith uses the term, and I love this, "trauma-informed forgiveness," a term that balances God's forgiveness of sinners while also centering survivors of trauma and abuse to empower healing. This lens also empowers those who have been harmed in other ways including within religious institutions.
Along the way, Griffith weaves into our reality her own story. At times, "Forgiveness after Trauma" reads like a suspense/thriller as Griffith shares her own testimony that starts off like so many - Meet someone. Fall in love. Get married. Have a child.
Along the way, things begin to change. Griffith's husband began to exhibit signs of mental illness. The home that had once felt safe and loving no longer did as behaviors intensified, intimidated, threatened, and so much more. Instead of being being enveloped and protected by the Church and those agencies assigned the task of protection, Griffith was met with ridicule, blame, and admonishment. These are experiences many have had and many continue to have mostly resulting from poor theology and a belittling of God.
The beauty of "Forgiveness after Trauma" is that Griffith builds her framework alongside her slowly revealing testimony. She learns. We learn. She applies. We are given a safe space to apply.
If you're looking for a book that will wallow in self-pity, this isn't it.
If you're looking for a book that will reinforce long existing religious tropes and stereotypes, this isn't it.
If you're looking for a book that is uncomfortable with emotion, this most certainly isn't it.
Griffith undeniably believes in forgiveness, though not in the usual ways we've so often been taught by mostly well-meaning yet often misguided pastors, pastoral counselors, etc. She builds the well-researched framework here in such a way that I may have found myself shouting "Yes!" more than once.
Griffith rejects, at times quite passionately, so many long existing religious tropes and stereotypes that it felt as if I'd stepped into a chamber of religious fresh air.
And, of course, Griffith creates a safe space for and deeply encourages deep lament, gut-level anger, and so many other emotions that we're often taught shouldn't exist within our sanctuaries.
Hogwash.
So suspenseful is Griffith's "Forgiveness after Trauma" that I found myself nearing the end almost breathless in anticipation of the resolution of Griffith's journey with this trauma (or at least current resolution).
Beautifully written, thoroughly researched, and constructed with compassion and discipline, "Forgiveness after Trauma" is one of those books I have no doubt I'll refer to time and time again.
At times, I was remembering.
At times, I was reflecting.
Still other times, I was crying tears of joy at realizing that Griffith had been able to put into words what my own theological exploration of forgiveness had taught me about the often controversial role of forgiveness for survivors of trauma.
So, yes, I am a trauma survivor. I'm a paraplegic/double amputee with spina bifida. I'm also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault as an adult. My first 25 years of life or so were pretty much defined by trauma, traumas at times perpetuated by the lack of compassion around me, very often from faith communities and others in professional roles.
Life is different now, though forgiveness has always been one of those areas that has challenged me as a person of faith and simply as a human being.
So, it was with some hesitation that I approached "Forgiveness after Trauma," though I've been in the healing journey long enough to know that it's when I feel that hesitation that I need to move gently into that resistance.
I'm glad I did.
Weaving together both personal testimony and biblical exegesis, Griffith has crafted a vital and necessary story that Teresa Kim Pecinovsky has appropriately called "a trauma-informed ethic of forgiveness," a description I can't possibly say in any other way.
Griffith explores what the Bible says - and doesn't say - about the biblical call to forgive. She creates a safe literary space to explore this call and helps her readers understand this command in ways that focus on healing and restoration. She frames forgiveness around broader concerns including lament, anger, accountability, release and birth, and reconciliation - all these broader concerns receive their own chapter and are explored fully both in terms of practical counsel and theology.
Griffith uses the term, and I love this, "trauma-informed forgiveness," a term that balances God's forgiveness of sinners while also centering survivors of trauma and abuse to empower healing. This lens also empowers those who have been harmed in other ways including within religious institutions.
Along the way, Griffith weaves into our reality her own story. At times, "Forgiveness after Trauma" reads like a suspense/thriller as Griffith shares her own testimony that starts off like so many - Meet someone. Fall in love. Get married. Have a child.
Along the way, things begin to change. Griffith's husband began to exhibit signs of mental illness. The home that had once felt safe and loving no longer did as behaviors intensified, intimidated, threatened, and so much more. Instead of being being enveloped and protected by the Church and those agencies assigned the task of protection, Griffith was met with ridicule, blame, and admonishment. These are experiences many have had and many continue to have mostly resulting from poor theology and a belittling of God.
The beauty of "Forgiveness after Trauma" is that Griffith builds her framework alongside her slowly revealing testimony. She learns. We learn. She applies. We are given a safe space to apply.
If you're looking for a book that will wallow in self-pity, this isn't it.
If you're looking for a book that will reinforce long existing religious tropes and stereotypes, this isn't it.
If you're looking for a book that is uncomfortable with emotion, this most certainly isn't it.
Griffith undeniably believes in forgiveness, though not in the usual ways we've so often been taught by mostly well-meaning yet often misguided pastors, pastoral counselors, etc. She builds the well-researched framework here in such a way that I may have found myself shouting "Yes!" more than once.
Griffith rejects, at times quite passionately, so many long existing religious tropes and stereotypes that it felt as if I'd stepped into a chamber of religious fresh air.
And, of course, Griffith creates a safe space for and deeply encourages deep lament, gut-level anger, and so many other emotions that we're often taught shouldn't exist within our sanctuaries.
Hogwash.
So suspenseful is Griffith's "Forgiveness after Trauma" that I found myself nearing the end almost breathless in anticipation of the resolution of Griffith's journey with this trauma (or at least current resolution).
Beautifully written, thoroughly researched, and constructed with compassion and discipline, "Forgiveness after Trauma" is one of those books I have no doubt I'll refer to time and time again.
May 10, 2024
This is a detailed analysis of the biblical view of forgiveness using the author’s own story of domestic abuse and trauma. It was particularly interesting to read about the role of lament in the Bible, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and the focus on life over marital obligations. This book provides a new way of thinking about forgiveness and moving forward in life. I would have appreciated more story-telling and less theology, but that is my personal reading taste.
February 21, 2025
I would not recommend this book to anyone wishing to get a biblical perspective on forgiveness.
She admits, "I recognize that this definition of forgiveness extends beyond what the Bible says strictly speaking about forgiveness, which, as I hope I've just emphasized, is often two-sided, sometimes communal, and constrained to certain situations."
While claiming to be a pastor she rejects the authority, sufficiency, and accuracy of Scripture. I wouldn't recommend the book to anyone seeking to know what God taught on forgiveness through His word. However, she is a great resource for anyone wanting a viewpoint that is based upon personal experience and psychological systems.
She admits, "I recognize that this definition of forgiveness extends beyond what the Bible says strictly speaking about forgiveness, which, as I hope I've just emphasized, is often two-sided, sometimes communal, and constrained to certain situations."
While claiming to be a pastor she rejects the authority, sufficiency, and accuracy of Scripture. I wouldn't recommend the book to anyone seeking to know what God taught on forgiveness through His word. However, she is a great resource for anyone wanting a viewpoint that is based upon personal experience and psychological systems.
March 27, 2024
This powerful book explores what forgiveness can look like for trauma survivors, without unhealthy pressures to prematurely forgive or return to an abusive situation. Susannah Griffith shares a biblical theology of forgiveness alongside her personal story of surviving domestic violence, and she uses her experiences to illustrate key concepts like biblical lament and righteous anger. She writes about why certain teachings about forgiveness are harmful, shows that the Bible does not support these common tropes, and outlines some lesser-understood implications of biblical teachings about forgiveness.
The author's background in biblical studies shines here, because she is able to make a clear, well-argued case for what a trauma-informed approach to biblical forgiveness can look like. Although some writers use their personal feelings and experiences as a grid for reinterpreting Scripture, Griffith engages with what the Bible actually teaches, and then integrates this with her own experience. Also, even though Griffith focuses on domestic violence in this book, its message applies to anyone who has experienced interpersonal trauma.
The memoir parts are profound and vulnerable, and although they may be triggering for other domestic violence survivors, Griffith's story is one that many people need to hear. She dramatizes horrible moments from her marriage, writes about ways that other Christians hurt her through their lack of understanding and bad advice, and portrays the utter vulnerability that she experienced as she tried to reconcile her marriage, faced repeated obstacles, and finally had to let it go. She also shows how some Christian friends were able to support and care for her well, and their example can encourage people who are trying to help loved ones in abusive situations.
Griffith also includes some thoughts about surviving sexual abuse when she was younger, but this is relatively brief, and she does not include specific details about what happened. This book's triggering content is specifically about domestic violence, and I would encourage people with similar trauma histories to approach this book with caution, even though it can be very healing if they are emotionally ready for it. Griffith portrays her personal story in an incredibly nuanced, insightful way, especially as she grapples with the tension that she felt between her terror of her husband and the genuine love they had shared. Her reflections can help validate the complex experiences of other survivors, and will help outsiders understand how profoundly complex these situations often are.
However, I think that this book would be even stronger if the author had included more examples from outside her own life. There's so much to unpack about her experiences that I understand why she focused on them alone, but her story is just one example of domestic violence, and it is also a clearer-cut example, since it involved repeated physical assaults, death threats, and suicidal threats. My concern is that some readers may focus on the more extreme elements of her story, without understanding that domestic violence doesn't always involve physical harm. Griffith never says anything to undermine the experiences of emotional abuse survivors, but I think that this book would be even more powerful and helpful if she had included examples that show that other forms of abuse without physical violence are also trauma, and may also require separation and divorce.
This is a powerful, thought-provoking book that combines Scriptural teaching with personal narrative. Griffith engages with Scripture to build a stronger, more accurate vision of what true forgiveness looks like, and what God does not require. Her clear, insightful teaching will help people who are struggling with forgiveness in a variety of different situations, and her personal narrative will help people who are dealing with domestic abuse or who want to better understand it. I appreciate the author's spiritual depth, honesty, and insight, and highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The author's background in biblical studies shines here, because she is able to make a clear, well-argued case for what a trauma-informed approach to biblical forgiveness can look like. Although some writers use their personal feelings and experiences as a grid for reinterpreting Scripture, Griffith engages with what the Bible actually teaches, and then integrates this with her own experience. Also, even though Griffith focuses on domestic violence in this book, its message applies to anyone who has experienced interpersonal trauma.
The memoir parts are profound and vulnerable, and although they may be triggering for other domestic violence survivors, Griffith's story is one that many people need to hear. She dramatizes horrible moments from her marriage, writes about ways that other Christians hurt her through their lack of understanding and bad advice, and portrays the utter vulnerability that she experienced as she tried to reconcile her marriage, faced repeated obstacles, and finally had to let it go. She also shows how some Christian friends were able to support and care for her well, and their example can encourage people who are trying to help loved ones in abusive situations.
Griffith also includes some thoughts about surviving sexual abuse when she was younger, but this is relatively brief, and she does not include specific details about what happened. This book's triggering content is specifically about domestic violence, and I would encourage people with similar trauma histories to approach this book with caution, even though it can be very healing if they are emotionally ready for it. Griffith portrays her personal story in an incredibly nuanced, insightful way, especially as she grapples with the tension that she felt between her terror of her husband and the genuine love they had shared. Her reflections can help validate the complex experiences of other survivors, and will help outsiders understand how profoundly complex these situations often are.
However, I think that this book would be even stronger if the author had included more examples from outside her own life. There's so much to unpack about her experiences that I understand why she focused on them alone, but her story is just one example of domestic violence, and it is also a clearer-cut example, since it involved repeated physical assaults, death threats, and suicidal threats. My concern is that some readers may focus on the more extreme elements of her story, without understanding that domestic violence doesn't always involve physical harm. Griffith never says anything to undermine the experiences of emotional abuse survivors, but I think that this book would be even more powerful and helpful if she had included examples that show that other forms of abuse without physical violence are also trauma, and may also require separation and divorce.
This is a powerful, thought-provoking book that combines Scriptural teaching with personal narrative. Griffith engages with Scripture to build a stronger, more accurate vision of what true forgiveness looks like, and what God does not require. Her clear, insightful teaching will help people who are struggling with forgiveness in a variety of different situations, and her personal narrative will help people who are dealing with domestic abuse or who want to better understand it. I appreciate the author's spiritual depth, honesty, and insight, and highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Currently reading
November 2, 2024This book addresses abuse, so lots of trigger warnings:
Violent threats, domestic abuse
Suicidal ideation,
Sexual abuse (References her other book, "Leaving Silence" about "sexualized violence" which is here https://www.susannahgriffith.com/books different author name Susannah Larry https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... )
Spiritual abuse (misusing scripture)
Separation and divorce
Child Protective Services
Chapter outline:
Intro
1. Biblical Forgiveness(es): Not What I thought
2. Anger: Making Peace with Holy Rage
3. Lament: Becoming the Storyteller Again
4. Accountability: Answering for... Choices and Living with Consequences
5. Reconciliation: Don't Think Too Small
6. Release and rebirth: Life Begins, Again
Conclusion
Free reading Forgiveness After Trauma Series on the Bare Marriage blog:
PODCAST: What does Healthy Forgiveness Look Like After Trauma? https://baremarriage.com/2024/03/podc... (Things I learned: she's from a Mennonite background in Georgia.)
6 Surprising Things About Biblical Forgiveness https://baremarriage.com/2024/03/6-su...
What Does Accountability Look Like When Someone Hurt You? https://baremarriage.com/2024/04/what...
What Does It Mean to Lament our Pain? https://baremarriage.com/2024/03/what...
7 Ways Churches Can Help People Through Divorce https://baremarriage.com/2024/04/7-wa...
Quotes
John 20:20-23, which says in part:
‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
A lot of post modern buzzwords
Violent threats, domestic abuse
Suicidal ideation,
Sexual abuse (References her other book, "Leaving Silence" about "sexualized violence" which is here https://www.susannahgriffith.com/books different author name Susannah Larry https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... )
Spiritual abuse (misusing scripture)
Separation and divorce
Child Protective Services
Chapter outline:
Intro
1. Biblical Forgiveness(es): Not What I thought
2. Anger: Making Peace with Holy Rage
3. Lament: Becoming the Storyteller Again
4. Accountability: Answering for... Choices and Living with Consequences
5. Reconciliation: Don't Think Too Small
6. Release and rebirth: Life Begins, Again
Conclusion
Free reading Forgiveness After Trauma Series on the Bare Marriage blog:
PODCAST: What does Healthy Forgiveness Look Like After Trauma? https://baremarriage.com/2024/03/podc... (Things I learned: she's from a Mennonite background in Georgia.)
6 Surprising Things About Biblical Forgiveness https://baremarriage.com/2024/03/6-su...
What Does Accountability Look Like When Someone Hurt You? https://baremarriage.com/2024/04/what...
What Does It Mean to Lament our Pain? https://baremarriage.com/2024/03/what...
7 Ways Churches Can Help People Through Divorce https://baremarriage.com/2024/04/7-wa...
Quotes
“I knew I felt love for everyone with whom I was setting boundaries. I was not vengeful. I was not trying to cause harm, even though others certainly felt I was sowing discord. All I wanted, all I needed, was for my relationships to reflect that I was a child of God, worthy of safety, dignity, and love.”
The profound unfairness of what has happened requires attention and witness, from ourselves and from others.
John 20:20-23, which says in part:
‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
What if survivors’ ability to retain sins was a legitimate teaching of biblical forgiveness? What would it mean to recognize that Jesus blesses the practice of retaining sins as necessary for the community, even while forgiveness is sometimes necessary as well?
A lot of post modern buzzwords
January 22, 2024
*Trigger Warning* Please note that the contents of this book can be potentially triggering to some readers as they directly address subject matters about trauma and DV.
Ms. Susannah Griffith's raw and honest exploration of "trauma-informed forgiveness" is refreshing and sobering. She offers a very astute, Biblically-based analysis of forgiveness after trauma, lament, forgiveness, anger, healing, and resilience. Readers who want a realistic yet Christian take on forgiveness will leave this book feeling encouraged. I also think her text challenges flawed Christian ideologies and false narratives around the topics of forgiveness, especially regarding marriage and divorce.
One of the most memorable quotes from her text was,
"Sometimes we do face situations that feel too much to handle when we wish we could take all the pain away. Yet, sometimes, we stand and deliver. Sometimes, we rise strong and triumphant from the pain. Sometimes, hope is born.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and Brazos Press for this poignant and powerful e-arc and the chance to give an honest review!
Final Rating 4.50
February 24, 2024
This is another book that talks about the new way Christians and churches need to look at forgiveness and trauma. Every book that is written is another breakthrough for those who have suffered too much for the old-fashioned, patriarchal sense of guilt and forgiveness as removing all crimes.
Susannah Griffith takes you into her own life and how she was treated when her husband became abusive because of mental illness. SPOILER-well not actually if you know the church-they wanted her to forgive him and go back to the abuse.
Griffith begins truly studying the Bible and the stories on her own. No slant from people who wanted her controlled by either man or religion. She shares the Bible stories and verses that brought her peace, the ones that showed what forgiveness really was. SPOILER--you give them to God and work on your mess.
These spoilers do not detract from the book; I gained great insight reading her story and the passages she had learned from.
This a great book for Christians who are ready to deal with their lives even though their particular church doesn't see it as the "Godly" thing to do.
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
Susannah Griffith takes you into her own life and how she was treated when her husband became abusive because of mental illness. SPOILER-well not actually if you know the church-they wanted her to forgive him and go back to the abuse.
Griffith begins truly studying the Bible and the stories on her own. No slant from people who wanted her controlled by either man or religion. She shares the Bible stories and verses that brought her peace, the ones that showed what forgiveness really was. SPOILER--you give them to God and work on your mess.
These spoilers do not detract from the book; I gained great insight reading her story and the passages she had learned from.
This a great book for Christians who are ready to deal with their lives even though their particular church doesn't see it as the "Godly" thing to do.
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
May 24, 2024
I am really glad that I read this book. While I have not had to forgive anything at all close to what the Author did, her insights into forgiveness in general and the ways it can be taught wrong by the church were insightful and can apply to a variety of situations. I especially found the chapter on lament to be useful as I was able to directly apply the contents to an area of trauma in my life, one that relates to a chronic illness, so doesn't necessarily relate to forgiveness for me, but that need lament and reclaiming of myself nonetheless. This chapter gave me permission to lament my circumstances, and I felt it as I read.
The author shares much of her story throughout this book, and I admire her for being able to be that open about things that can be very hard to share about. I felt great empathy for her, and although the forgiveness she came to give didn't lead to continuing on in her marriage, that she was able to come to a place of forgiveness and peace was truly a gift from God.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The author shares much of her story throughout this book, and I admire her for being able to be that open about things that can be very hard to share about. I felt great empathy for her, and although the forgiveness she came to give didn't lead to continuing on in her marriage, that she was able to come to a place of forgiveness and peace was truly a gift from God.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
December 14, 2025
I quit reading in the 5th chapter. It is more like reading someone's diary ramblings, than a guide to healing. I have been through trauma. There is very little guidance for survivors.
There was snippets of her own personal journey. It was mostly a lot of incorrect theology that I think originates in a misunderstanding the original intent of the passage. For example, she really needs to learn the difference between reconciliation with God and with man. It isn't the same.
I think the book was written to soon. It appears her first marriage ended for good sometime in 2021. This book was released in March of 2024. That is not enough time to process and heal. The pain would still be raw and fresh.
I did look up the author. I read on her website that she left two traumatic marriages. I am thinking she and hubby #2 split, since she didn't mention a previous marriage to Neill in the book. That is sad to hear. It does sound like she still needs more time to work on herself and heal so she doesn't keep going down that same road.
I truly hope that she is processing the pain and trauma with a trauma informed therapist.
There was snippets of her own personal journey. It was mostly a lot of incorrect theology that I think originates in a misunderstanding the original intent of the passage. For example, she really needs to learn the difference between reconciliation with God and with man. It isn't the same.
I think the book was written to soon. It appears her first marriage ended for good sometime in 2021. This book was released in March of 2024. That is not enough time to process and heal. The pain would still be raw and fresh.
I did look up the author. I read on her website that she left two traumatic marriages. I am thinking she and hubby #2 split, since she didn't mention a previous marriage to Neill in the book. That is sad to hear. It does sound like she still needs more time to work on herself and heal so she doesn't keep going down that same road.
I truly hope that she is processing the pain and trauma with a trauma informed therapist.
July 3, 2024
Forgiveness can be such a loaded word. When I forgive, does that mean I forget? Do I have to keep going on like this didn't happen? Do I give permission for this to continue? Susannah Griffith tackles these questions and more by sharing her very real and raw story. That alone is helpful for those who have trauma in their backgrounds. What she also does is show a way through the trauma to forgiveness, in a very authentic way of battling her emotions and friends opinions, and yet still comes out the other side with true forgiveness. I appreciated this as I also have trauma in my background, and it's not an 'either/or', 'right/wrong' situation that one can clearly set lines for forgiveness. It's an 'and/both' and that's the reality that many struggle with. So I greatly appreciated how Susannah showed us how she handled her walk, and I hope this helps others who may be in that same struggle moving forward. Excellent! Highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
January 17, 2024
'Forgiveness after Trauma' by Susannah Griffith is an extremely well written and much needed addition to the literature in the field of trauma. It has a unique focus based on the author's ontological position as a Christian minister, trauma survivor and biblical scholar.
As a therapist I have regularly struggled to help clients who have been told by their faith leaders that they must forgive their abusers in order to free themselves. This text explores many different biblical references and teachings on forgiveness and approaches the concept in a much more loving, empowering, understanding and trauma-informed way.
A book that will be of great use to many working in pastoral care within or outside the Church, therapists and trauma survivors alike.
I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this very helpful text and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
As a therapist I have regularly struggled to help clients who have been told by their faith leaders that they must forgive their abusers in order to free themselves. This text explores many different biblical references and teachings on forgiveness and approaches the concept in a much more loving, empowering, understanding and trauma-informed way.
A book that will be of great use to many working in pastoral care within or outside the Church, therapists and trauma survivors alike.
I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this very helpful text and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
April 18, 2024
Based on the introduction and first chapter alone, I highly recommend this book for survivors of coercive control and all those who seek to help them.
Susannah’s story is a textbook case showing failure of child protective workers to discern the nature of the situation and instead threaten the protective mother that she will lose custody as well. A horrifically tragic pandemic of this broken system.
Her case is also a good example of the harmful response of the faith community, prioritizing the salvation of a marriage over the safety and well-being of the humans in the marriage— or prioritizing correction or intervention clearly laid out in scripture for acts of oppression, violence and injustice committed by one person within the faith fellowship community against another — particularly, another under the domination, authority and power of the other.
….
Susannah’s story is a textbook case showing failure of child protective workers to discern the nature of the situation and instead threaten the protective mother that she will lose custody as well. A horrifically tragic pandemic of this broken system.
Her case is also a good example of the harmful response of the faith community, prioritizing the salvation of a marriage over the safety and well-being of the humans in the marriage— or prioritizing correction or intervention clearly laid out in scripture for acts of oppression, violence and injustice committed by one person within the faith fellowship community against another — particularly, another under the domination, authority and power of the other.
….
June 14, 2024
Book Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a great resource for Christians in need of help navigating trauma!!!
Susannah Griffith wrote this book from the perspective of a Christian woman who endured trauma at the hands of her spouse. Rooted in Biblical principles, she shares her testimony of overcoming trauma by tackling forgiveness. While this could be a difficult book to get through, it is worth the read.
I will forever be appreciative to Griffith for the example she set. She does not believe in sugar coating things or letting people off the hook. While her faith is the most important aspect of her life, it does not excuse bad behavior. This is an incredibly refreshing perspective!!!
Special thanks to Netgalley, Baker Academic & Brazos Press, and Susannah Griffith for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a great resource for Christians in need of help navigating trauma!!!
Susannah Griffith wrote this book from the perspective of a Christian woman who endured trauma at the hands of her spouse. Rooted in Biblical principles, she shares her testimony of overcoming trauma by tackling forgiveness. While this could be a difficult book to get through, it is worth the read.
I will forever be appreciative to Griffith for the example she set. She does not believe in sugar coating things or letting people off the hook. While her faith is the most important aspect of her life, it does not excuse bad behavior. This is an incredibly refreshing perspective!!!
Special thanks to Netgalley, Baker Academic & Brazos Press, and Susannah Griffith for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
June 9, 2024
Suzanne writes about her journey of domestic violence and her struggle to leave because she was told time and again she needed to forgive her husband. She writes eloquently and unpacks very pertinent scriptures about forgiveness that help us to understand that we have misunderstood it. The saddest part to me that the focus had to be on forgiveness at all and was not on her safety. If God cares about us and loves us more than we can fathom why wouldn't the safety of a woman in a violent enovironment eclipse all else? I'm so glad Suzanne eventually got there and honored her body's need for safety.
February 14, 2024
Refreshingly powerful read about a simple yet profoundly misunderstood word…forgiveness. Griffith centers on forgiveness after her unimaginable trauma that coincides with the word of God. The text was carefully researched, written boldly yet delicately. I see myself referencing this book from time to time. To share her emotionally and physically taxing journey towards peace, hope, freedom and forgiveness is no easy feat. Thank you to NetGalley and Brazos Press for the chance to read this in advance!
May 8, 2024
What a breath of fresh air reading her spiritual journey of forgiveness without the battle axe of shame from forced reconciliation. Proverbs 27:12 reminds us that the wise see danger and take refuge. Susannah vulnerably takes your hand and leads you down a path of understanding Biblical forgiveness. May this book find its way into the hands and hearts of all people-helpers in the church.
November 13, 2024
I read this as a non-traumatized person, so take that for what it's worth, but it tackles questions I'm interested in: What is the Christian approach to forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? How are we meant to apply Jesus's teachings about and examples of forgiveness to our own circumstances? I think it will be helpful to Christians who struggle with this principle for whatever reason.
May 9, 2024
Forgiveness doesn't mean staying in abusive relationships or that you have to reconcile with your abuser. Forgiveness is only possible in an equal power dynamic.
This book is a beautiful word to those who were taught a harmful view of "forgiveness."
This book is a beautiful word to those who were taught a harmful view of "forgiveness."
July 3, 2024
Sussanah’s book is so amazing and biblical that I cannot put into words how much this book helps me.
Read
October 9, 2024Great resource
January 2, 2025
Susannah Griffith has the bona fides to write this book, but she could’ve published a much more compelling and authoritative work after a little more time away from the traumatic events she describes. It would also benefit from more outside source material. You’ll have a better chance of connecting with this book’s content if you approach it as a memoir instead of a how-to guide.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews