[.ca] Wounds Not Healed by Time: The Power of Repentance and ...

Serious Religious Discussion of Forgiveness:
Jewish readers will probably be tempted to read this book because the author explores forgiveness through a Hebrew lens: from the perspectives of the Bible, the Talmud, and modern psychotherapy. At times the author contrasts the Jewish view of forgiveness and repentance with Christian and Islamic models. Perhaps the best part of the book is the discussion of "steps" that can be taken by individuals who struggle to forgive those who have offended them. Indeed, if I find myself becoming hostile to another due to his/her wrongful conduct, I go back to this book to learn the techniques to soften my anger. As put by the author: "Mature forgiveness entails difficult emotional and intellectual work. It is a skill that needs to be cultivated, a virtue that needs to be acquired by self-training. When practiced thoughtlessly or simplistically, it is ineffective and counterproductive and can even be dangerous to oneself, to the person forgiven, and to society." Mr. Schimmel does not discuss his themes in "folksy" language. The author explores his topics intellectually, citing Maimonides, Freud, the Babylonian Talmud, Martin Buber, John Paul II, and Shakespeare. Very interesting...almost a classic.