Healing Agony: Re-Imagining Forgiveness

This book is a must read for anyone in the helping professions. Written by a Church of England priest, it is a book any Christian priest or minister can and should read. A work of pastoral theology it offers deep and challenging reflections arising from real "cases" such as Eric Lomax of "Railway Man" fame to the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Enniskillen bombing in Northern Ireland. Dr. Cherry provides much food for thought and prayer that is important for anyone who is in need of forgiving or forgiveness. Written in digestible chapters that cover a broad range of the experiences that underlie, direct and form the experience of forgiveness it is best read and pondered deliberately with time to digest. Devoid of platitudes and facile slogans, this work takes suffering and forgiving seriously because it takes those who suffer seriously. Written from a Christian perspective, its presentation of the human experience of hurt and healing is accessible to anyone and can provide positive direction for those seeking it.

In depth wisdom about the challenges and process of forgiveness when one experiences a shattered life and broken heartedness as a consequence to violence/violation. Excellent read for those who in some way companion someone who has had that experience and also for the person who has been violated. The author distinguishes the levels of hurt which I found helpful.

Most helpful on forgiveness and reconciliation

A friend told me about this book, and now having read it once, I am going to start again because it is so full of insights. The author is an Anglican priest, but the material on which he bases his thoughts ranges beyond the Christian tradition. He uses contemprary sources, including some 'unforgiveable' cases of hatred and murder. His points include the length of time that forgiveness may take -maybe a life-time, and that simply saying 'I forgive' does not take away the consequences and hurts caused by the source of the pain. There is an excellent index, and although he writes for the general reader, he provides for taking this topic on to further study. His style of writing is fluent, and the frequent examples and case-studies make it a book that helps the reader to follow his train of thought. The "healing"in the title is what may come when the "agony" of thr pain is lived through, and forgiveness becomes a possibility. An excellent book.

this is an excellent book. Stephen Cherry does not flinch from looking at some of the most challenging areas of human experience - from holocaust to personal stories of abuse. The author's ability to help the reader hear stories and unpack the extensive literature on the subject is most useful. It finally explores a "model of forgiveness" which is not oppressive to victims and recognises a process which is ongoing. I believe this is valuable tool for people personally trying to consider the issues raised by being "demanded" to forgive and also others who are alongside people in their painful journeys.

This excellent exploration of how we cope in a realistic and honest way with the questions and challenges of life needs to be read by all. Non-Christians will find it equally helful since the basis for debate is so wide-ranging.

For anyone concerned with the issue of forgiveness this book is a must. It challenges simplistic views on forgiveness as well as challenging the reader to think more deeply. A brilliant book which gives food for the soul as well as the mind.

Stephen Cherry is very readable and very instructiveBook was in excellent condition