Pardon and Peace: The Science and Theology of Interpersonal Forgiveness

by Fr. John B. Burns

464 pages, Hardcover

Published March 20, 2026

Reviews

[MonkeyBusiness]

It is unfortunate that such a valuable book has so little detail attached to this record. The depth and detail of information deserves more. That said, this is not a book for everyone. The average person, even a person of deep faith or close connection to the Church may likely struggle to understand all of the material that Fr. Burns so carefully lays out and ties together. However, it's well worth the time to thoughtfully, and prayerfully, make the effort. There are extensive footnotes, bibliography, name and subject index, and scripture index. Take your time. Savor the reading. You will be richly rewarded.
Table of Contents:
Part I: Psychology and Forgiveness Therapy
1: Robert Enright's Science of Forgiveness
2: Other Contributors to Forgiveness Theory and Practice
3: Toward a Tradition

Part II: Aquinas and the Passions
4: Aquinas's Project and the Passions
5: The Passion of Anger

Part III: The Virtues, Justice, and Mercy
6: The Virtues and Healthy Anger
7: Justice and Mercy

Part IV: Forgiveness and Resentment
8: Interpersonal Forgiveness in Aquinas
9: Anger and Resentment

Part V: The Theology of Healing Through Forgiveness
10: Forgiveness - The Dispersion of Anger and the Remedy of Resentment
11: Forgiveness in Authentic Healing
12: A Theological Theory of Healing

General Conclusion
Appendix: The Enright Process Model of Forgiveness