New book on forgiveness

I’m happy to announce the upcoming release of my book, I FORGIVE YOU,BUT, to be released by Pacific Press at the end of this month. You can purchase it by going to www.pacificpress.com/ Here are some comments about this book:
“Dr. Lourdes Morales-Gudmundsson combines her excellent study of the most recent and important literature with a profound personal experience–and dares to share from her deeply personal trials with anger and forgiveness. Here is an accessible, yet deeply learned study for modern Christians in any tradition.” (Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, Loyola Marymount University)

“Grounded in the Christian Scriptures, Lourdes Morales-Gudmundsson tells the reader about forgiving from the viewpoints of people who have struggled with it, psychologists who have studied it, theologians who have mined Scripture for it, and devout Christians who have prayed through it. This practical book is a coat of many colors–crafted by one who has herself wrapped the garment of forgiveness about her and her family. It will warm your heart and keep you secure as you move toward forgiving.” (Everett L. Worthington, Jr., author Forgiving and Reconciling and The Power of Forgiving)

“I Forgive You, But…is an intelligent and well-written explication of forgiveness from the creation of the grudge to the resolution into healing. Dr. Morales-Gudmundsson delves expertly and deeply into the subject and her book is must reading for any Christian unsure of why or how to forgive.” (Frederic Luskin, author of Forgive for Good and director Stanford Forgiveness Projects)

“I Forgive You, But…” inspires and guides us into the relational heart of peacemaking–indispensable and so desperately needed at every level of conflict.” (Douglas Morgan, director Adventist Peace Fellowship)

“This book is not only a ‘how-to” manual, but also a theological and practical reflection on the Christian way to resolve life’s difficulties. It helps us understand what forgiveness really is and how we can make it last, resulting in enduring inner peace.” (Lawrence T. Geraty, President, La Sierra University)

Recommended books on forgiveness

Just to get your juices flowing, here are some wonderful books to get you started on your forgiveness education!

Augsburger, David. Caring Enough to Forgive:True Forgiveness/Caring Enough Not to Forgive: False Forgiveness. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1981.

Klein, Charles. How to Forgive When You Can’t Forget. New York: Berkley Books, 1995.

Smedes, Lewis B. Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1984

______________. The Art of Forgiving. New York: Ballantine, 1996.

I Forgive You, But…

Have you ever found yourself saying these words? This phrase reflects the ambivalence most of us have with “forgiveness.” In fact, the word raises more questions than it answers: Why should I forgive if my offender has said she’s sorry? How can I forgive someone who keeps torturing me? If I forgive, aren’t I effectively admitting that my offender was right? Or that I approve of what he did? Must I always forgive? Are there times when one shouldn’t forgive? Does forgiving mean I can’t seek justice? Shouldn’t I expect justice before I extend my forgiveness? How do you forgive catastrophic offenses, such as genocide? Why would you want to forgive such heinous acts against humanity? What is forgiveness, anyway?