Forgiveness and Abuse: Jewish and Christian Reflections

Using research, studies, stories and prayer, Forgiveness and Abuse: Jewish and Christian Reflections focuses on the views and opinions of these two prominent religions as well as sharing the wisdom of their traditional teachings. Forgiveness is an essential concept for many survivors of abuse as well as the perpetrators. Some believe that urging victims to simply forgive and forget in the face of such harsh realities may not be practical and could actually endanger the healing process. Forgiveness and Abuse studies several aspects of the spiritual influence in forgiving and vindicating abusive crimes, including traditional views of forgiveness and repentance and the use of a clinical study examining the relationship between forgiveness and mental health as well as comparing Christian and Jewish responses to a questionnaire regarding forgiveness. Forgiveness and Abuse offers a new insight on the spiritual connections between religion, abuse and forgiveness, and brings hope as religious leaders unite to address a multi-faith resolution to conflict. With the events of recent years weighing on society’s shoulders, this collection is profoundly significant for clergy, counsellors, therapists, and survivors, as well as the abuse perpetrators themselves.