“Mere” Christian Forgiveness: An Ecumenical Christian Conceptualization of Forgiveness through the Lens of Stress-And-Coping Theory

Abstract

Forgiveness is a central theme within the Christian faith, yet Christian traditions sometimes vary in how they understand and approach the forgiveness process. Nevertheless, in this paper, we present an ecumenical model of Christian forgiveness that highlights the essential components that are shared across most Christian traditions. Importantly, rather than using a theological lens to develop and describe this model, we have primarily used a psychological lens. Specifically, we have adopted stress-and-coping theory as the psychological framework for understanding a Christian conceptualization of forgiveness. We identify four types of forgiveness (divine forgiveness, self-forgiveness, person-to-person forgiveness, and organizational–societal forgiveness) and describe a Christian conceptualization of each one, filtered through the psychological perspective of stress-and-coping theory.

Changes after an Educational Intervention to Teach about and Promote Forgiveness among Seminarians and Practicing Clergy

“…Christianity highly values forgiveness (Marty, 1998), and the Scriptures and theology (Worthington, 2003; Worthington, Rueger, Davis, & Wortham, 2019) give clear guidance that Christians should forgive both unilaterally and in all cases (Matt. 6:14–15).…”

“…However, Scripture and theology are less forthcoming about how people are to forgive. One reason is because divine forgiveness is the focus of Christian Scripture and most theologies (Worthington, 2003; Worthington et al, 2019). Divine forgiveness is about God’s judgment and mercy to wrongdoers.…”

“…One account of “mere Christian forgiveness,” which focuses on forgiveness as conceptualized commonly across most Christian theologies, is given by Worthington, Rueger, Davis, and Wortham (2019). That theologically informed—drawing on commonalities from numerous theologies—psychology of forgiveness draws upon the stress-and-coping theory of forgiveness (for a review, see Strelan, 2020).…”

Transforming suffering through forgiveness: A religious coping approach.

“…Although religious scholars can provide important insights about forgiveness, it is also important to examine how religious adherents conceptualize and practice forgiveness. Researchers have advanced scientific understanding of how forgiveness is viewed and practiced by Christians (Macaskill, 2005; Worthington et al, 2019), Jews (Balkin et al, 2009; Heim & Rye, 2003), Muslims (Abu-Raiya & Ayten, 2020; Ayten, 2012), Hindus (Tripathi & Mullet, 2010; Watkins & Regmi, 2004), and Buddhists (Paz et al, 2007). Understanding the similarities and differences in forgiveness across traditions is especially important for clinicians who are seeking to assist clients from a variety of religious backgrounds.…”

The Churches, Gukurahundi, and Forgiveness in Zimbabwe

“…For example, Everett Worthington et al have reflected on the Christian notion of forgiveness and have identified four types of forgiveness: divine forgiveness, selfforgiveness, person-to-person forgiveness, and organizational-societal forgiveness. 12 In our discussion on churches and Gukurahundi in Zimbabwe, we embraced all these dimensions of forgiveness. Furthermore, we observed that most participants linked forgiveness to reconciliation.…”