Not too long ago, Chris Brauns, the senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, Illinois, wrote me and asked if he might send a copy of his book, Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds
In all honesty, the topic of forgiveness is not one that particularly interests me. Most books on the subject tend to be so therapeutic, sentimental, or theologically irresponsible that I have little use for them. We are called to forgive ourselves or (in some cases) to forgive God, actions which do not resemble the biblical teaching of forgiveness.
Two things caused me to give Unpacking Forgiveness a chance. First, I read the book As We Forgive, which chronicles the forgiveness taking place in post-genocide Rwanda. I was deeply moved by the stories of forgiveness in that book. Secondly, I knew from the testimony of others that Chris is a godly man and a biblically-informed thinker. Therefore, I came to realize that Unpacking Forgiveness would not be like the standard evangelical offerings on this subject.
As I began reading Unpacking Forgiveness, I discovered that I needed this book a whole lot more than Chris needed a review. This book radically altered my own understanding of forgiveness. Even though I saw the vaccuous nature of therapeutic forgiveness, I had not yet replaced society’s view with biblically robust teaching on the subject. Reading through Chris’ book, I found myself wincing at some of his criticisms, saying, “Oh, I’ve said things like that” or “Yes, I’ve advised people in that way.” Apparently, the therapeutic understanding of forgiveness had infiltrated my thoughts much more than I realized.
Unpacking Forgiveness comes from a pastor, which means its tone is personal, pastoral, and practical. Chris employs good illustrations of forgiveness that not only make his book a more interesting read, but also give pastors a resource from which to draw stories in local church preaching and teaching.
The book has several key strengths. First, it is church centered. Do not expect self-help instructions. Chris offers biblical teaching about forgiveness within the context of a community of faith:
“Christ’s way of unpacking forgiveness is not three easy steps. It is a way of life, following Jesus, learning from him, being involved in his church, hearing his Word preached. Apart from consistent involvement in these disciplines, you are trying to paddle with a stick. And that just won’t work.” (32)
Another key strength is its appeal to the motivations of the heart. In ways influenced by John Piper, Chris bases our reasons for forgiveness in our desire to reach maximum happiness in Jesus Christ, since finding our happiness and satisfaction in Jesus is what actually brings glory to God.
Unpacking Forgiveness is also God-centered in two ways. First, he defines human forgiveness after having defined God’s forgiveness:
“Forgiveness: A commitment by the offended to pardon graciously the repentant from moral liability and to be reconciled to that person, although not all consequences are necessarily eliminated.” (55)
The book is also God-centered in that it allows us to see the difference between the inhumanity that we show towards others and our lack of respect for God.
“If we begin to get a glimpse of the vast glory of God, we will realize that many of our conflicts are like two ants arguing about which is taller while standing in front of Mount Everest. We quibble over some infinitesimal difference of opinion while the vastness of Almighty God soars into the heavens.” (83)
Chris believes that one reason people are so easily offended is because they do not see their sinful rebellion against a holy God.
Chris’ careful biblical distinctions make this book so valuable. For example, Chris argues that biblically speaking, forgiveness is conditional. The offer of forgiveness is unconditional. Christians are to offer forgiveness graciously to everyone. But forgiveness, if it is to be properly understood in its biblical sense, must be received. So true forgiveness must always lead to reconciliation.
“Forgiveness is a figurative handshake. You cannot shake hands alone. For forgiveness to happen, you need to seek out the offending party (or the offended party if you are the offender), extend your hand, and pray that the other party will offer his or hers to you.” (127)
It is evident to the reader that Chris desires to be faithful to Scripture and to bring the biblical view of forgiveness to bear on our personal lives and in the lives of our churches. I’m glad I gave Unpacking Forgiveness a chance. I now have a “go-to” book whenever I need to teach on this subject.
