Overview

"Much work in both academic and clinical counseling has focused on forgiveness and what, precisely, it means. We now know forgiveness offers both physical and psychological benefits. Yet despite all this exploration, most Christians are far from having a clear, consistent, theologically informed definition. Bryan Maier wants this conceptual ambiguity to end, especially for the pastor or counselor sitting across from a hurting person seeking immediate, practical help. The Christian counselor needs to be able to walk the client through the question, ""Can forgiveness coexist with justice?"" To this end, Maier examines current popular models of forgiveness, considering where they merge and diverge, and what merits each type of forgiveness has. He then delves directly into Scripture to discover the original model of God's forgiveness to humankind. From there, he builds a new construct of human forgiveness with practical guidance to help those in counseling understand the concept theologically. In doing so, he demonstrates that our understanding that forgiveness leads to healing is inverted; being whole leads to true forgiveness, not the other way around. Forgiveness and Justice is extremely useful for any practitioner needing to form a useful, theologically sound understanding of forgiveness for those who come for help."

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Reviews

"""Bryan Maier brings the double perspectives of theological acumen and counseling competence to bear on the questions of forgiveness and justice. He tackles definitional questions with great care and critical insight. He clearly knows the field of forgiveness literature. Importantly, the Scriptures richly inform the discussion, especially passages on divine and human forgiveness as well as the imprecatory psalms. No cheap grace is offered in this book, but instead a deep understanding of forgiveness, our longing for justice, and how they are to relate. Counselors and pastors alike will greatly benefit from pondering this book. I highly recommend this book and will commend it to others.""--Graham A. Cole, Dean and Vice President of Education, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM) ""Dr. Maier has covered the topic of forgiveness with academic, theological, biblical, and hermeneutical aplomb. He strategically moves from examples to theories to definitions to what forgiveness sounds, looks, and feels like. Bryan gives his readership a peek into his counseling room, and a laugh with his family, without violating the sanctity of either. This is a must-read for deep thinkers and Christ-followers who are serious about getting forgiveness right.""--David E. Kirkner, Adjunct Faculty for Eastern University and Biblical Theological Seminary (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM) ""Dr. Maier makes a persuasive and entirely readable case that biblical forgiveness happens only in response to authentic repentance. You will find this book clear, logical, and pastoral in its treatment of the concepts of forgiveness, repentance, and--missing in most forgiveness texts--injustice. Though forgiveness is a popular topic in mainstream literature, Dr. Maier gives a rare treat: cogent definitions and illustrations of God's view of forgiveness from Genesis to Revelation. Using case studies, the reader experiences not only a better definition of the final acts of forgiveness, but also the necessary pre-forgiveness activities of healing and repentance. Victims of injustice will find comfort and relief in knowing that the focus of the forgiveness process falls squarely on the shoulders of the offender.""--Philip G. Monroe, Director of the Graduate School of Counseling, Biblical Seminary (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM) ""On the interface between theology and counseling/psychology, there are few areas that are more nebulous than forgiveness. Here, Bryan Maier provides careful analysis of what forgiveness is and isn't (for example, it's not just being nice, or mentally reframing the alleged offense, or coming to 'understand' the offender, or forcing oneself to 'feel' different), and ties the nature of forgiveness to the gospel itself. This short book not only helps us with a probing grasp of what forgiveness is, but ties this understanding to the hands-on ministry of the pastor-counselor. Highly recommended.""--D.A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM) ""There is now a voluminous literature on forgiveness, both Christian and secular, but few demonstrate the combination of theological and psychological competence found in this work. Especially notable is the recognition of the value of the imprecatory psalms for guidance in Christian life and therapy. Those working through the harm caused to them by others will be greatly helped by this book. There are other examples of the no-repentance/no-forgiveness position on human forgiveness, but this is clearly the best. One need not agree with the stance to appreciate the value of this fine example of Christian psychology scholarship.""--Eric Johnson, Lawrence and Charlotte Hoover Professor of Pastoral Care, Southern Seminary (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM) ""At long last Bryan Maier has written the salient book on forgiveness and justice. Dr. Maier's revelatory work has thoughtfully cleared the way for those seeking solace from interpersonal sin and shepherding others burdened by deficient formulations and assessments. The fastidious words on every page reveal the heart of a teacher, counselor, and pastor who is motivated to see genuine forgiveness and emancipatory justice realized and experienced by people in the fray. My heart was moved by his clear, concise, and coherent writing, appropriate critiques, and determination to empower people everywhere. Forgiveness and Justice is a must-read for people on the journey to healing while loving God and loving people.""--Rob Shelby, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Evansville (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM) ""Christian and non-Christian counseling circles are rife with literature on the benefits and/or necessity of forgiveness. Despite the proliferation of the topic, however, what it means to forgive is all too often assumed rather than clarified. Consequently, while people agree that forgiveness is good, there is little agreement on what it actually is. Bryan Maier's Forgiveness & Justice: A Christian Approach is a welcome and sorely-needed contribution that helps dispel the fog of ambiguity and misconception. He convincingly explains how the definition, conditions, and motives of forgiveness must be grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ and confidence in the character of God, especially God's attribute of being just. One of the things I've so appreciated about Bryan over the years is his uniting of competent counseling theory and practice with substantive biblical and theological reflection. Both are apparent in Forgiveness and Justice. If you're a pastor or professional counselor, you will find much help here, but so too will believers struggling with the pain of having been sinned against and those who long to be better able to minister to them.""--Keith Plummer, Associate Professor of Theology, Cairn University (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM) ""Dr. Maier's core insight is deceptively simple: that true forgiveness should be modeled on the kind of forgiveness God extends. When one realizes that this is neither 'unconditional' nor 'therapeutic, ' the depth of what one discerns in this correlation surfaces. The author argues compellingly that genuine forgiveness values truth and values justice--a point that any victim of wrongdoing knows should matter, but all too often seems not to among those urging to just 'forgive and forget' and 'let it go.' This book is informative, insightful, and so much more. In it, the reader will find wise solace for those who want the healing benefits of genuine forgiveness that takes seriously the damage caused by sin, the yearning for a God who really does value truth and justice, and who are not satisfied with cognitive (often self-blaming) reframings rooted in falsehood. One will walk away from this book understanding and appreciating why forgiveness and justice really are interrelated.""--R. Todd Mangum, Professor of Missional Theology, Biblical Theological Seminary (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM) ""I was immediately intrigued when I received a draft of Forgiveness and Justice: A Christian Approach. Counselors have a special interest in the topic of forgiveness, especially when assisting persons who have experienced traumatizing abuse. My first thought was, I hope Bryan clarifies and illuminates a biblical-theological model of forgiveness so that I have a resource I can assign to my counseling graduate students. I think he succeeded and I am going to make Forgiveness and Justice a required reading.""--Jeffrey S. Black, Professor of Counseling & Psychology, Director of Counseling, Cairn University (2/13/2017 12:00:00 AM)"

On the interface between theology and counseling/psychology, there are few areas that are more nebulous than forgiveness. Here, Bryan Maier provides careful analysis of what forgiveness is and isn't (for example, it's not just being nice, or mentally reframing the alleged offense, or coming to 'understand' the offender, or forcing oneself to 'feel' different), and ties the nature of forgiveness to the gospel itself. This short book not only helps us with a probing grasp of what forgiveness is, but ties this understanding to the hands-on ministry of the pastor-counselor. Highly recommended. -- (02/13/2017) Dr. Maier makes a persuasive and entirely readable case that biblical forgiveness happens only in response to authentic repentance. You will find this book clear, logical, and pastoral in its treatment of the concepts of forgiveness, repentance, and--missing in most forgiveness texts--injustice. Though forgiveness is a popular topic in mainstream literature, Dr. Maier gives a rare treat: cogent definitions and illustrations of God's view of forgiveness from Genesis to Revelation. Using case studies, the reader experiences not only a better definition of the final acts of forgiveness, but also the necessary pre-forgiveness activities of healing and repentance. Victims of injustice will find comfort and relief in knowing that the focus of the forgiveness process falls squarely on the shoulders of the offender. -- (02/13/2017) There is now a voluminous literature on forgiveness, both Christian and secular, but few demonstrate the combination of theological and psychological competence found in this work. Especially notable is the recognition of the value of the imprecatory psalms for guidance in Christian life and therapy. Those working through the harm caused to them by others will be greatly helped by this book. There are other examples of the no-repentance/no-forgiveness position on human forgiveness, but this is clearly the best. One need not agree with the stance to appreciate the value of this fine example of Christian psychology scholarship. -- (02/13/2017) Dr. Maier has covered the topic of forgiveness with academic, theological, biblical, and hermeneutical aplomb. He strategically moves from examples to theories to definitions to what forgiveness sounds, looks, and feels like. Bryan gives his readership a peek into his counseling room, and a laugh with his family, without violating the sanctity of either. This is a must-read for deep thinkers and Christ-followers who are serious about getting forgiveness right. -- (02/13/2017) Bryan Maier brings the double perspectives of theological acumen and counseling competence to bear on the questions of forgiveness and justice. He tackles definitional questions with great care and critical insight. He clearly knows the field of forgiveness literature. Importantly, the Scriptures richly inform the discussion, especially passages on divine and human forgiveness as well as the imprecatory psalms. No cheap grace is offered in this book, but instead a deep understanding of forgiveness, our longing for justice, and how they are to relate. Counselors and pastors alike will greatly benefit from pondering this book. I highly recommend this book and will commend it to others. -- (02/13/2017) Christian and non-Christian counseling circles are rife with literature on the benefits and/or necessity of forgiveness. Despite the proliferation of the topic, however, what it means to forgive is all too often assumed rather than clarified. Consequently, while people agree that forgiveness is good, there is little agreement on what it actually is. Bryan Maier's Forgiveness & Justice: A Christian Approach is a welcome and sorely-needed contribution that helps dispel the fog of ambiguity and misconception. He convincingly explains how the definition, conditions, and motives of forgiveness must be grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ and confidence in the character of God, especially God's attribute of being just. One of the things I've so appreciated about Bryan over the years is his uniting of competent counseling theory and practice with substantive biblical and theological reflection. Both are apparent in Forgiveness and Justice. If you're a pastor or professional counselor, you will find much help here, but so too will believers struggling with the pain of having been sinned against and those who long to be better able to minister to them. -- (02/13/2017) At long last Bryan Maier has written the salient book on forgiveness and justice. Dr. Maier's revelatory work has thoughtfully cleared the way for those seeking solace from interpersonal sin and shepherding others burdened by deficient formulations and assessments. The fastidious words on every page reveal the heart of a teacher, counselor, and pastor who is motivated to see genuine forgiveness and emancipatory justice realized and experienced by people in the fray. My heart was moved by his clear, concise, and coherent writing, appropriate critiques, and determination to empower people everywhere. Forgiveness and Justice is a must-read for people on the journey to healing while loving God and loving people. -- (02/13/2017) I was immediately intrigued when I received a draft of Forgiveness and Justice: A Christian Approach. Counselors have a special interest in the topic of forgiveness, especially when assisting persons who have experienced traumatizing abuse. My first thought was, I hope Bryan clarifies and illuminates a biblical-theological model of forgiveness so that I have a resource I can assign to my counseling graduate students. I think he succeeded and I am going to make Forgiveness and Justice a required reading. -- (02/13/2017) Dr. Maier's core insight is deceptively simple: that true forgiveness should be modeled on the kind of forgiveness God extends. When one realizes that this is neither 'unconditional' nor 'therapeutic, ' the depth of what one discerns in this correlation surfaces. The author argues compellingly that genuine forgiveness values truth and values justice--a point that any victim of wrongdoing knows should matter, but all too often seems not to among those urging to just 'forgive and forget' and 'let it go.' This book is informative, insightful, and so much more. In it, the reader will find wise solace for those who want the healing benefits of genuine forgiveness that takes seriously the damage caused by sin, the yearning for a God who really does value truth and justice, and who are not satisfied with cognitive (often self-blaming) reframings rooted in falsehood. One will walk away from this book understanding and appreciating why forgiveness and justice really are interrelated. -- (02/13/2017)

On the interface between theology and counseling/psychology, there are few areas that are more nebulous than forgiveness. Here, Bryan Maier provides careful analysis of what forgiveness is and isn't (for example, it's not just being nice, or mentally reframing the alleged offense, or coming to 'understand' the offender, or forcing oneself to 'feel' different), and ties the nature of forgiveness to the gospel itself. This short book not only helps us with a probing grasp of what forgiveness is, but ties this understanding to the hands-on ministry of the pastor-counselor. Highly recommended. -- (02/13/2017) Bryan Maier brings the double perspectives of theological acumen and counseling competence to bear on the questions of forgiveness and justice. He tackles definitional questions with great care and critical insight. He clearly knows the field of forgiveness literature. Importantly, the Scriptures richly inform the discussion, especially passages on divine and human forgiveness as well as the imprecatory psalms. No cheap grace is offered in this book, but instead a deep understanding of forgiveness, our longing for justice, and how they are to relate. Counselors and pastors alike will greatly benefit from pondering this book. I highly recommend this book and will commend it to others. -- (02/13/2017) Dr. Maier makes a persuasive and entirely readable case that biblical forgiveness happens only in response to authentic repentance. You will find this book clear, logical, and pastoral in its treatment of the concepts of forgiveness, repentance, and--missing in most forgiveness texts--injustice. Though forgiveness is a popular topic in mainstream literature, Dr. Maier gives a rare treat: cogent definitions and illustrations of God's view of forgiveness from Genesis to Revelation. Using case studies, the reader experiences not only a better definition of the final acts of forgiveness, but also the necessary pre-forgiveness activities of healing and repentance. Victims of injustice will find comfort and relief in knowing that the focus of the forgiveness process falls squarely on the shoulders of the offender. -- (02/13/2017) There is now a voluminous literature on forgiveness, both Christian and secular, but few demonstrate the combination of theological and psychological competence found in this work. Especially notable is the recognition of the value of the imprecatory psalms for guidance in Christian life and therapy. Those working through the harm caused to them by others will be greatly helped by this book. There are other examples of the no-repentance/no-forgiveness position on human forgiveness, but this is clearly the best. One need not agree with the stance to appreciate the value of this fine example of Christian psychology scholarship. -- (02/13/2017) Dr. Maier has covered the topic of forgiveness with academic, theological, biblical, and hermeneutical aplomb. He strategically moves from examples to theories to definitions to what forgiveness sounds, looks, and feels like. Bryan gives his readership a peek into his counseling room, and a laugh with his family, without violating the sanctity of either. This is a must-read for deep thinkers and Christ-followers who are serious about getting forgiveness right. -- (02/13/2017) At long last Bryan Maier has written the salient book on forgiveness and justice. Dr. Maier's revelatory work has thoughtfully cleared the way for those seeking solace from interpersonal sin and shepherding others burdened by deficient formulations and assessments. The fastidious words on every page reveal the heart of a teacher, counselor, and pastor who is motivated to see genuine forgiveness and emancipatory justice realized and experienced by people in the fray. My heart was moved by his clear, concise, and coherent writing, appropriate critiques, and determination to empower people everywhere. Forgiveness and Justice is a must-read for people on the journey to healing while loving God and loving people. -- (02/13/2017) Christian and non-Christian counseling circles are rife with literature on the benefits and/or necessity of forgiveness. Despite the proliferation of the topic, however, what it means to forgive is all too often assumed rather than clarified. Consequently, while people agree that forgiveness is good, there is little agreement on what it actually is. Bryan Maier's Forgiveness & Justice: A Christian Approach is a welcome and sorely-needed contribution that helps dispel the fog of ambiguity and misconception. He convincingly explains how the definition, conditions, and motives of forgiveness must be grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ and confidence in the character of God, especially God's attribute of being just. One of the things I've so appreciated about Bryan over the years is his uniting of competent counseling theory and practice with substantive biblical and theological reflection. Both are apparent in Forgiveness and Justice. If you're a pastor or professional counselor, you will find much help here, but so too will believers struggling with the pain of having been sinned against and those who long to be better able to minister to them. -- (02/13/2017) I was immediately intrigued when I received a draft of Forgiveness and Justice: A Christian Approach. Counselors have a special interest in the topic of forgiveness, especially when assisting persons who have experienced traumatizing abuse. My first thought was, I hope Bryan clarifies and illuminates a biblical-theological model of forgiveness so that I have a resource I can assign to my counseling graduate students. I think he succeeded and I am going to make Forgiveness and Justice a required reading. -- (02/13/2017) Dr. Maier's core insight is deceptively simple: that true forgiveness should be modeled on the kind of forgiveness God extends. When one realizes that this is neither 'unconditional' nor 'therapeutic, ' the depth of what one discerns in this correlation surfaces. The author argues compellingly that genuine forgiveness values truth and values justice--a point that any victim of wrongdoing knows should matter, but all too often seems not to among those urging to just 'forgive and forget' and 'let it go.' This book is informative, insightful, and so much more. In it, the reader will find wise solace for those who want the healing benefits of genuine forgiveness that takes seriously the damage caused by sin, the yearning for a God who really does value truth and justice, and who are not satisfied with cognitive (often self-blaming) reframings rooted in falsehood. One will walk away from this book understanding and appreciating why forgiveness and justice really are interrelated. -- (02/13/2017)

Author Information

Bryan Maier is a counselor, former pastor, and associate professor of counseling and psychology at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Maier holds a doctorate of psychology from Wheaton College.

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