On Forgiveness

by Richard Holloway

"There is only forgiveness, if there is any, where there is the unforgivable." [Jacques Derrida] Using Derrida's provocative paradox as the epigraph and starting point for his new book, Richard Holloway tackles the complex theme of forgiveness. It is a subject that he explores from both a personal and a political perspective, but underpinning this examination is his belief that religion has given us many of the best stories and metaphors for understanding the act. He proceeds to relate forgiveness to such events as September 11 and the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Israel, Northern Ireland, and Serbia. On Forgiveness is a discourse on how forgiveness works, where it came from, and how the need to embrace it is greater than ever if we are to free ourselves from the binds of the past. Drawing on philosophers and writers of the caliber of George Steiner, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jacques Derrida, Hannah Arendt, and Nelson Mandela, Holloway has written another fascinating and timely book. "Holloway's language and style are engaging, his research conscientious and his conclusions thoughtful and frequently wise." -- Sunday Times (London)

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Religion, Essays, Theology, Spirituality

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Richard Holloway is a Scottish writer, broadcaster and cleric. He was the Bishop of Edinburgh from 1986 to 2000 and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church from 1992 to 2000.

Reviews

[Chris Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was loaned to me by a fellow teacher who hailed from Scotland, where Richard Holloway once served as Bishop of Edinburgh for the Episcopal Church. Holloway stepped down from that position because of doubts about his faith; he didn't feel like he could honestly continue serving in a position of religious authority when he wasn't sure if he believed what he was teaching. There is a level of integrity to this that impresses me greatly, even though it also saddens me a bit.

Holloway set out to explore the topic of forgiveness from a secular or post-religious point of view, and I was immediately curious to find out what he would say, since the whole idea of forgiveness is so strongly associated with religious thought and imagery. Is there any basis for the idea of forgiveness if we take God out of the picture? If so, what is it? Where does this concept come from, and why does it hold such power in the human psyche? Is it possible to embrace a post-religious, or pan-religious, theory of forgiveness that does not depend on divine command as its foundation? Is there even any reason to do so?

Holloway addresses these questions from a descriptive rather than prescriptive approach. He does not set out to tell people why they MUST forgive, but to explore the ramifications when we do (or do not) forgive. At the heart of the book is a quote by Jacques Derrida: "There is only forgiveness, if there is any, where there is the unforgivable." Holloway explores this paradox from many angles, delving into the probable origins of the human qualities of empathy, compassion, justice, and mercy, and how the need for forgiveness and the need for justice have necessarily evolved side by side. Along the way he draws on the wisdom of such diverse voices as Jesus of Nazareth, Paul of Tarsus, Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, Hannah Arendt and George Steiner. He uses religious imagery and parables but presents them in a way that is sensitive to a secular audience, and with context that even many religious readers may not have heard before. His writing style is poetic and deeply engaging, and puts me in mind of C.S. Lewis at his best.

This is a short book -- fewer than 100 pages -- but an intensely powerful one. For the non-religious, it is a powerful exploration of forgiveness that empowers the reader to think about it in a way that makes sense in a secular humanist worldview. For people of faith, this book reveals common ground on which we can engage our fellow humans who do not share our beliefs, but who nevertheless must share our world; and it shows how forgiveness has an inherent value for humanity, beyond satisfying the commands of God. I think that the book's greatest value, however, might be for those who have been raised in a religious life but subsequently lost their faith, because it shows a way to hold on to the best of what that faith has taught us within a broader, post-religious context that is not dependent on belief in scripture. I strongly recommend it for anyone who has never needed to forgive, or ever needed forgiveness ... which, of course, is all of us.

[Enyu Hu · Rating 2 out of 5]

100 pages of waffle to advocate for a position that could've been explained in a paragraph. compellingly written i guess

[Angus George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it easier to offer conditional forgiveness as a white man, when a large portion of history's atrocities were done either in your name or to your indirect benefit? Yes, of course it is.
That lens acknowledged, this book is perfect, and perfectly argued, and perfect especially for me in the hideous trawl of processing a still painful and abusive past relationship.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but brilliant. Holloway is a theologian whose radically laid-back approach to Christianity I quite like (he describes organized religion, at one point in this book, as the rocket shuttle, and the values of love, forgiveness, justice, etc., as the payload, which is bold in that it suggests the utility of organized religion is limited and possibly has come to an end). This book is written “not in the imperative, but the indicative”: he’s not telling us to forgive, but examining the concept and the mechanism of forgiveness, that radical, insane, illogical form of unconditional love. I underlined loads and will be coming back for more.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this work because I feel there is always room for books about forgiveness. Richard Holloway weaves his Christian pastoral background with his love of 19/20th cent. philosophy to create a tapestry of forgiveness for readers.

If someone is looking for a “how to forgive” book, this may not be the best option. However, it doesn’t hurt to read the book. Mr. Holloway is more focused on the idea of collective forgiveness than personal forgiveness, although he does touch on the latter.

One point I did appreciate is that you can’t ever tell someone to forgive. And many times a person (or community) is not ready to forgive. It is not something that can be forced.

He does state that not forgiving imprisons us in the past and robs us of the future. That is true from my own experience. I think also some of us have imprisoned ourselves for so long that even when the prison door opens, we choose to stay in confinement because that’s what we know.

A quick read. There are some very thought provoking passages that I will go back and pick out. This is a helpful reference for anyone who wants to learn to let go of the past, and step fully into the here and now.

[Alan Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very though provoking book that is well written, but maybe lacks more depth. It’s an easy read but I think the topics invite and require more philosophical debate. At times it also felt like there were too many quotations from other sources and not enough of the authors own words. Maybe that’s harsh but it was a thought I had on more than a couple of occasions. Overall though, it’s a book that is worthy of reading and pondering, especially to the sinister end and what we are left to ponder from what is, despite its sinisterness, a clever finish.

[Faris Alsaleh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author starts his book with the quote "there is only forgiveness, if there is any, where the is the unforgivable". He states that he writes this book as descriptive and not prescriptive. Taking a secular stance to a usually religious topic is quite refreshing. He doesn't implore anyone to forgive but merely explains and describes this beautiful phenomenon. The ending also crushed me, I was not ready for that. A intriguing light read for a relaxing weekend morning. There's certainly some points he covered that needed much more elaborate debate but that wasn't the point of the book.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't read as well , for me, as Waiting for the Last Bus. I'm afraid my ability to concentrate is somewhat diminished at moment so that may explain my difficulties.
I suppose I wanted to be told how but that isn't what this is. An interesting and thought provoking discussion. We are all told to let things go but that is easier said than done and pressure to do so may damage the process.
The rehearsal of offences done to one is not unique which is in some ways is good to know.

[Leilani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some interesting discussion of unconditional/conditional forgiveness, however some of the long sentences and paragraphs meant some of the writing did the reading equivalent of going in one ear out the other. I felt it could have gone deeper, I would have liked some more specific case studies

[Natalie Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I needed. I recommend this to anyone, whether religious or not, who feels trapped in a cycle of resentment and revenge against those who have deeply hurt and abused them. This lights the path to letting go and conjuring radical forgiveness, not for the person who has hurt us, but for ourselves, so that we can be free.

[Juliet Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't fully understand all of the book so I'm afraid I still don't have a satisfactory idea of what forgiveness is???
An understanding that the trespasser is a product of their character/ circumstances?
A lack of a desire for revenge?

[Stefan Grieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, concise book delivered wisely, humanly and measuredly, this light (in many meanings of the word) book will add to your understanding and appreciation of forgiveness, and why it is so important.

[Darren Stallard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful and filled with grace. Hard to think of anyone whose character would not be improved by reading it.

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

warto

[Felicity Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though very much a book with the author's Christian faith at its heart this is what I thought of as an 'accessible' read; Holloway's secular stance of what is often thought of as a 'religious' topic refreshing.

Not too theological (though I dare say some would argue it warrants a more indepth philosophical debate) and certainly never 'preachy' ... at no point does Holloway ever insist we MUST forgive, instead exploring the ramifications of when we do or likewise don't forgive ... its ideal for both those of faith and those of none dealing with as it does the inherent value of forgiveness for all.

Copyright ... Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper

[K M Laume]

Great little book about forgiveness friendly enough for the non-religious of us.
I especially found the last section good, which talks about forgiving moments and people in history so that we ourselves may be unburdened from anger and hatred etc.

[Linnea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was initially interested in this book because I wanted to learn how to forgive others and let go of grudges I was holding on to and getting angry about. I assumed it was some sort of self-help book...but I was wrong. It is more than a self-help book. The author uses religious examples in his understanding of forgiveness, but does so in a way which does not limit the applicability of the book to Christians. His book uses poetry, historical examples to illustrate ideas around/behind forgiveness. This book is honest. Thoughtful. Optimistic. It helped me understand my feelings. I'm going to read it twice. It's a small book (92 pgs), but every page is meaningful. The perfect size to read twice. I'm interested in reading his other books 'Doubts and Loves' and 'Godless Morality'.

[Noelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

A long eloquent way to say forgive... 3/10 beans

[Tim Newell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest approach to a sensitive subject. I like his honesty about his faith and his interpretation of our understanding today.