Forgiveness: A Lenten Study

by Marjorie J. Thompson

Forgiving others and humbly asking for forgiveness are central disciplines for all Christian believers. Lent, a time to reflect on our Christian journey, is an appropriate time to deepen our understanding and practice of forgiveness. Marjorie J. Thompson, author of the best-selling book Soul Feast, takes a close look at our understanding of forgiveness in this encouraging study. In six brief chapters, Thompson addresses such questions as the

Is forgiveness a Christian duty under all circumstances? Or are there situations when Christians do not need to forgive?Is forgiveness a matter between individuals, or is it meaningful only in the context of communities?Is forgiving the best route to healing for the injured?How do we get past emotional barriers to real forgiveness?Using biblical examples and real-life situations, Thompson illustrates each chapter's theme in an informative and engaging way. A study guide is also included at the back of the book that is appropriate for either individual reflection or group discussion. With clarity, insight, and sensitivity, this book is the perfect resource for examining both our ability to forgive and our own need for forgiveness.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 3, 2014

About the author

Marjorie J. Thompson is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She received her B.A. in religious studies from Swarthmore College, and her M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary. Following a post-graduate pastoral internship, she became a Research Fellow at Yale Divinity School where she studied Christian spirituality with Henri Nouwen and did independent research in ecumenical traditions of prayer. She has served as director of the Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership and as spiritual director to Companions in Christ, a program outgrowth of the Pathways initiative of Upper Room Ministries. Companions in Christ is a small-group resource for spiritual formation in local congregations, suited to ecumenical use. Marjorie has exercised a ministry of teaching, writing, and spiritual guidance for many years.

Reviews

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Lent drawing near, a season of reflection and spiritual housecleaning, a study of forgiveness would seem appropriate. Westminster John Knox Press would agree with this idea and has brought to publication this study guide on forgiveness written by Marjorie Thompson, author of Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life (WJK, 2005). The book offers six brief chapters (sixty-six pages of text), together with a study guide. This guide is based on an earlier study guide that was offered as a downloadable PDF from Thoughtful Christian, but has been fleshed out and reissued in its expanded form.

For those who have read Thompson’s book Soul Feast, you will know that she is a thoughtful writer with deep spiritual insight. There is a strong commitment to rooting the conversation in Scripture, so that one might be attentive to a word from God. In this study book, participants will engage scripture and spend time in prayer. The guide begins with a prayer, moves to a time of exploring, which includes a time of Bible study, moves then to responding (this might take place in the days following the study), and then close with prayer.

The sessions move us from developing an understanding of forgiveness through the process of forgiveness to the ultimate goal -- reconciliation or new Beginnings.

It will make an excellent study guide for any small group. I highly recommend it.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our church followed this book during our Midweek Lenten Services by reading a chapter a week. There were many things in this book that gave me pause to think about and help me to be a better person. There were several points that were similar to the twelves steps of AA.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fine for my beginner-level group, but more frustrating for my group of deeper-thinkers. There’s a lot more nuance to forgiveness than is adequately captured in this book.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written and thoughtful, but be careful about victim blaming and the need for reconciliation at all costs. There is a lot to forgiveness that isn't here. Top on my list: one does not have to reconcile to forgive, depending on the health of the relationship and the seriousness of the offense.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you removed the words A Lenten Study from the title of this book I would recommend it wholeheartedly to any Christian who is interested in the topic of forgiveness. The book itself is actually great. It is broken down into six chapters and covers the following topics:

Is forgiveness a Christian duty under all circumstances?

Or are there situations when Christians do not need to forgive?

Is forgiveness a matter between individuals, or is it meaningful only in the context of communities?

Is forgiving the best route to healing for the injured?

How do we get past emotional barriers to real forgiveness?

I thought it was well-written and did a great job addressing the topic from a Biblical perspective while drawing in present day examples. My one issue of it that I've already alluded to is the idea of it being a Lenten study. When I look for Lenten studies I want something that will last me for the duration of Lent. This is a short little book and unless you really want to ruminate over the discussions for weeks at a time it will not last you that long. I read it over the first week of Lent, a chapter a day, and that was about right for me. I picked up another study to read over the duration of Lent instead. I would ignore the Lent part of the title and read this if you are looking for a good book on the topic of forgiveness.

[Eric Ledermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful Lenten study that draws us into a deeper (and much harder but more intentional and authentic) understanding of the practice of forgiveness. The draws from another book on forgiveness called Embodying Forgiveness by L. Gregory Jones (1995).

[Nancy Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful aid for exploring this human challenge. Good for personal or group use.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good group study/discussion book.

[Ellen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful study of an important life skill on which many of us need work. It begins at the “Beginning”, progresses through self reflection (some would call it “navel gazing”), and ends with the hope of reconciliation. I especially loved the prayers in the study guide section, and the scriptural connections for each chapter. I am looking forward to this study during Lent with the Virginia Holt Sunday School Class at Sango UMC this spring!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by my pastor, who knew I was struggling with trying to forgive and “move on”. The timing is good inasmuch as it’s now Lent ... And there were many helpful insights and examples, both from biblical and other religious texts, but also from native tribes as well. I found it helpful.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed studying this book in Sunday School.

[Pamela W Postle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good discussion book for Lent.

Everyone in our group had experiences forgiving someone and asking for forgiveness.
The book gave a good guide for our discussions.

[Ninamarie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Felt lightweight when it did not feel empty.

[Brian White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read many books on forgiveness and while I have no specific complaint about this book it did not add to my understanding of forgiveness. It is designed more as a group experience and I think it would work better used in that manner rather than just as an individual read.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Lenten companion

A difficult subject handled with grace and sound theology and application. Marjorie Thompson is a treasure for the church. Highly recommend.