Interdisciplinary Book and Film Reviews

  The Sunflower On the Possibilities   and Limits of Forgiveness By   Simon Wiesenthal Reviewed by   Geoffrey W. Sutton This book, The Sunflower, offers a challenging story by Holocaust survivor,  Simon Wiesenthal and I recommend it to all interested in the subject of forgiveness and its conceptual neighbour, reconciliation.  In the year 1943, Simon Wiesenthal is in a Nazi concentration camp. He is sent to work in a German  army hospital. He is called to attend to a Nazi soldier who wants forgiveness from a Jew for being part of the murder of  300 Jews by setting fire to a building then shooting those who jumped from windows as they tried to escape. Following his confessional story, the German asks forgiveness. Wiesenthal leaves the room without a word. The next day, he learns the soldier died and left his belongings to him but Wiesenthal refuses to take them. Wiesenthal ruminates then invites people to respond to his dilemma--should he have forgiven the soldier? Following is a quote

  Forgiveness, Reconciliation,  and Restoration:     Multidisciplinary Studies   from a Pentecostal Perspective   Edited by       Martin W. Mittelstadt &     Geoffrey W. Sutton   Reviewed by      Various Reviewers   *************** “Richly diverse, yet held together by a focus on the Pentecostal heritage, this volume offers a refreshing look at a timely topic for a world prone to anger and revenge. Through historical, theological, educational, literary, and social scientific lenses, one easily sees and appreciates the Pentecostal imprint on such valued Christian virtues as forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. Congratulations to each contributor, and especially to editors Mittelstadt and Sutton, for a job well done.”          — Peter Hill, Biola University   ***************   “This volume is rich with godly and pastoral wisdom from an international panel of Pentecostal scholars who explore the Scriptures and offer practical advice on what it

  Moving Forward Six Steps to Forgiving Yourself      and Breaking Free from the Past By   Everett L. Worthington Jr. Reviewed by   Geoffrey W. Sutton   Ev (Everett L. Worthington Jr. Ph.D.) has a real life story to tell. Ev is an internationally recognized forgiveness scholar who has studied forgiveness as a scientist, helped others forgive as a psychologist, and spread the good news freely in workshops and on his website. But Moving Forward is different. Moving Forward helps us to forgive ourselves. And more than that— Moving Forward is intensely personal. Ev tells his own struggle with self-forgiveness as he dealt with his mother’s murder and his brother’s suicide. Worthington shares six steps to self-forgiveness. He blends science, stories, and faith as he reveals how to forgive ourselves. I will briefly describe the steps below. 1. Receive God’s forgiveness. Ev is a Christian so it is natural that he would begin the process by confession of past wrongdoin

  Forgiveness :    Psychological Theory, Research, and Practice By Everett L. Worthington Jr.    Reviewed by   Geoffrey W. Sutton   Worthington grabs our attention in the preface: “on January 2, 1996 . . . I encountered the most difficult transgression I ever had to wrestle with (x).” His account of a horrendous personal tragedy, the murder of his mother, adds an important dimension of depth to this scholarly treatise. Worthington states his purpose as describing a theory of forgiveness. Initially, he suggests a metatheory that will incorporate research from biological, psychological, and other perspectives. He narrows the scope of his enterprise to a forgiveness model based on Richard Lazarus’ stress-and-coping theory. I observed that he did not use the word reconciliation in the overview. Although, Worthington does address reconciliation, the primary purpose is the development of a psychological theory of forgiveness. Worthington divides this project into three part

  Forgiving and Reconciling Bridges to Wholeness and Hope      By Ev Worthington Reviewed by    Geoffrey W. Sutton   Forgiveness and reconciliation were often topics in counseling sessions dating back to 1975. And the topics resonate because they are part of my personal life. In addition, I have studied forgiveness for nearly 20 years. All this said to provide context for my recommendation for this classic text by psychologist Dr. Ev Worthington who is now Commonwealth Professor Emeritus. The book is divided into three parts. First, Worthington explains forgiveness, the importance of forgiveness, and the Christian foundation for forgiveness. In part two, we learn about Worthington’s REACH model. The letters in REACH represent chapter titles and the steps that can help people “reach” forgiveness: R = Recall the hurt, E = Empathize (with the offender), A = (offer an )Altruistic Gift of Forgiveness, C = Commit publicly to forgive, and H = Hold on to forgiveness. Part thr

  Living Well 10 Big Ideas of Faith and      a Meaningful Life   By       Geoffrey W. Sutton Reviewed by    Various Quotes from reviewers of:   Living Well: 10 Big Ideas ofFaith and a Meaningful Life “As a Christian and a psychological professional, it’s rare to find resources which address the interaction of my beliefs and scholarly knowledge. I’m encouraged by Geoff Sutton’s, Living Well , as it offers a unique perspective on Biblical virtues from multiple, complementary views. In a time where many want to divide faith and science, a harmonious combination is found in this book.”    — Chelsea L. Greer, Ph.D ., Assistant Professor, Counseling Psychologist, USA  ***** “In the long and noble tradition of virtue ethics, Geoffrey Sutton provides a valuable resource for living the good life. Bible study meets scientific inquiry meets practical how-to, this is a helpful tool for congregation and classroom alike.”     — Dr. Howard N. Kenyon , Vice President, Ecumenical Mi

  FORGIVENESS & RECONCILIATION:   BOOK REVIEWS In the course of conducting research on forgiveness and reconciliation, I have read a number of books. Some I have reviewed are included in this list with links to the reviews. READ FREE :   Some books are on KINDLE UNLIMITED and can be read at no additional charge. Amish Grace : How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy   by Kraybill, Nolt, and Weaver-Zercher   Read Review BUY on AMAZON BUY on GOOGLE The Art of Forgiving  by Lewis Smedes         Read  Review BUY on AMAZON BUY on GOOGLE   Forgive for good : A proven prescription for health and happiness by Fred Luskin   Read Review BUY on AMAZON BUY on GOOGLE   Forgiveness is a Choice:    A step-by-step process for resolving anger and restoring hope   by Robert D. Enright. Read   Review BUY on AMAZON BUY on GOOGLE F orgiveness: Psychological Theory, Research, and Practice  by Ev Worthin