The Forgiveness Project

by Michael S. Barry

After thorough medical, theological, and sociological research and clinical experience at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), author and pastor Michael Barry has made a startling discovery: the immune system and forgiveness are very much connected. Through the inspiring stories of five cancer patients, Barry helps readers identify—and overcome—the barriers that prevent healing and peace. See how a breast cancer patient named Jayne experienced spiritual and physical renewal when she learned to forgive. Meet Cathy whose story illustrates how forgiveness can positively change relationships. Be inspired by Sharon’s story of spontaneous remission. With each true account comes proven strategies, tested and used by CTCA, that readers can implement to find peace with their past, relief from their hatefulness, and hope for healing.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2010

Reviews

[Rebecca Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It had a good balance of science, scripture, and insight. Also gave practical advice.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Michael Barry doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Read this:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.huffpo...

[Janice Garey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Title: Consider Depth of Forgiveness (review of The Forgiveness Project by Michael S. Barry)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars

This book is a must read for any who are dealing with cancer either personally or secondarily through a loved one's diagnosis. In the past I heard snippets of this author's message through others who spoke about the harmfulness of keeping negative emotions inside. This book shows it to be true as the author has worked with many patients who have proved it over and over although each in their own particular way. No situation or solution is ever the same. Cookie cutters don't work in providing answers in the forgiveness arena.

Many people are under the false impression that they have forgiven those who hurt them in the past. In truth, they have never really gotten beneath the surface, away from outward appearances, and into the ragged and torn heart of the matter that needs total forgiveness. This book is way beyond its price in value, because it walks people through exercises that may help with taking steps to forgiveness. This would be similar to getting several sessions of counseling for the small cost of the book. The author has a caring heart that wants to share this important healing information with as many as possible.

Although a Christian, Michael Barry stresses that all religions address the subject of forgiveness in a positive way. The methods he suggests are for anyone to use. They are not specific to any particular religious beliefs or practices.

I really appreciated how the author showed examples of how people have wrong thinking about forgiveness and its benefit.

Typically, the offending person has moved on and is no longer concerned with the hurt left behind. The retained hurt in the damaged person is what breaks down the body and spirit with the heavy load. The hurt stays alive and often grows bigger as the hurt one fails to find a proper release of the rotten feelings. Those who do the suggested work in the book usually find at some point that the weight of their burden has disappeared. For each person the time and effort it takes differs. At that point, cancer no longer has a susceptible host.

This book is a positive force as you read and grow to understand the process and resultant healings. The author does not promise healing for everyone. Some people don't let go and forgive soon enough and their cancer progresses and consumes their lives.

I am tremendously thankful to the author, publisher, and bookfun.org for giving me this book in exchange for reading it and posting my honest review. Please don't let this one get away unread. Everyone going through life has hurts and needs to learn best ways to deal with them and to move to forgiveness and beyond to good health.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often seen commercials about the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and I have wondered about their concept of treating the whole person. This book helped me to understand a little bit about the program but more importantly the what and why they teach on forgiveness. Their teaching is backed up by medical science, Scripture and proven by changed, healthier lives.


There are many books written on the topic of forgiveness but this one is different in the following three ways:

1. "...attempts to answer the question of whether there is a relationship between cancer and unforgiveness.

2. Gaining insights versus calculate number of steps in dealing with forgiveness

3. "Finally, this book will appeal to those who are open to explore the mysterious and unpredictable spiritual aspects of life, wherein the healing and peace we find is experienced as a gift from God." pg. 20



A variety of stories of those whom have been through the program, worked through forgiveness and it made a major difference in the health outcome. Obviously this forgiveness teaching deserves to be looked at seriously.


For those whom need further proof, there are chapters which address the scientific aspects of stress as well as cancer and emotional trauma.


Many of us are our hardest critics, and this too is addressed in this book.


This is a one of a kind book, and even if you don't believe in Christ, it is definitely worth picking up and reading as there is much good, proven info that just may make a difference in your life, or in that of a loved one.


Thank you to Bookfun.org and Kregel Publications for the opportunity to read this most informative book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "The Forgiveness Project" written by Michael Barry we meet five different cancer patients who have some areas in their life where healing and forgiveness that needs to take place. Each person experiences forgiveness, which restores peace and spiritual healing in their lives. This book is a true testament to forgiveness being healing to overall health and life giving. This book gives hope for anyone who needs to forgive someone or someone who is going through something difficult in their life. Forgiveness in the Christian faith is not easy, but Jesus commands us to forgive or he will not forgive our sins. This book reminded me to be more quick to forgive and wash away the wrongs of others, so I don't hold on to others offenses because it clearly can affect your health in ways you do not expect.
I really enjoyed this book and I love how honest Jayne and Sharon were in their journey's. I appreciate their authenticity. Forgiveness is so important for our faith and our health! This book serves as an awesome reminder. I can't wait to share this book with others.
Thank you to the Book Club Network for allowing me to review this book. My review can be found on Amazon, Goodreads and Deepershopping.

[Cherie Kasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forgiveness Project is a very well written informative piece of literature. Michael Barry worked at the Cancer Treatment Centers in Philadelphia, mainly with the patients who needed to work through the disturbances in their lives. The 5 stories that were told by 5 of the individuals about their experiences of figuring out what had happened in their lives and what was needed to work through the forgiveness procedure were very enlightening.
When a person holds in anger and other feelings and does not express them can sometimes have an illness because of it. So, working through that anger and forgiving can help them to start to heal their bodies. Forgiveness does not necessarily prevent an illness, although it can, but even more so can help heal the illness. Sometimes real miracles can occur.
Michael does not give you a step by step plan to cure yourself, but what his studies show is that forgiveness can be a big part of healing.
Not only would this be a good book for any and all people dealing with any illness, but other people who need to go through the Forgiveness Project. I would recommend this book to all who love to read.
I was given this book by Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forgiveness Project shows us how modern medicine and ancient wisdom can come together to heal body, mind and spirit. Just as a cancerous tumor suddenly disappears in a spontaneous remission, God can “change a human heart in an instant”.
The author, Michael S. Barry, is the Director of Pastoral Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. As such, he has seen the devastating effects of unforgiveness and the burden-lifting effects of forgiveness firsthand. Body and mind and soul are connected. This book is a look into the Forgiveness Project started at the centers and how to benefit from it.
This book is insightful for all but especially valuable to those who may be struggling with the process of forgiving and want to find peace and relief from hate.
There are five personal stories in the book before Dr. Barry gets into the science behind the healing through forgiveness. This makes for a very readable book.
I received a free copy of the book from the Book Club Network at www.bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not thought that often of how not forgiving someone could affect my life. While reading “The Forgiveness Project” by Michael S. Barry I gave it much more thought. The book is startling in the personal stories it has about forgiveness or not forgiving and the physical and emotional impact on your life. It gives great incentive to learn how to forgive. It has been often said that forgiveness is not about saying something is OK. It is not. It is more about the person who is doing the forgiving. This book goes into great detail about forgiveness, how to do it, and the impact it can have on your life.

Is there someone you have not forgiven? Do you feel like you just can’t? Be honest and peer closely into your life and find out what kind of impact that might have. Once you realize the impact it is having on your life, you are very motivated to learn how to forgive. I recommend reading this book. It can change your life.

I received this free book from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading The Forgiveness Project by Michael Barry. I have always believed that happy people tend to get better faster when faced with an illness than those who give up hope or are depressed/upset. However, I loved how this book explored the effect of anger on illness as well. And I thoroughly enjoyed how he mixed Scripture along with personal stories to show just how the body is affected by anger…and also forgiveness.

Great read and one I will be sharing with others as this is something that would be useful to all of us. Who of us haven’t held onto a grudge, even if “little” versus bitterness or hatred. Because we all know that anger left to fester has the potential to turn into something greater when not dealt with.

I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I have posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Barry says you cannot say unforgiveness causes cancer, he does say one can reasonable conclude that the stress of unforgiveness compromises the immune system, creating a physical condition where the body is more susceptible to cancer and other health issues. He tells stories and he looks at studies.
Forgiveness is something that everyone should practice for optimum health and wellness. He does not give specific steps as he says the process is different for every person. He does give valuable insights.
You can read my entire review at http://bit.ly/1gkeBCk.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your attitudes can make you sick. Something I think few of us would question. As a biologist I am always interested in that link. Michael Barry's book explores the link using cancer as the disease to research. He uses the stories of five people to help see that unforgiveness doesn't necessarily directly cause cancer, but sets your immune system up to welcome disease. Some parts of the book may get a little dry for some, but he gives excellent direction on why forgiveness helps the forgiver and what motivates us to be able to forgive.

[Lori Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forgiveness Project is an enjoyable book. It demonstrates that forgiveness does have an effect on the body. The examples presented all showed changes emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It is a very thought provoking book.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Margaret Chind]

Tour Date: Feb 18

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - addressing the impact of forgivness on major health issues.........

[Betsy Clark]

OK.