No Future with out Forgiveness: a 12-step Process

Paul W. Carlin, Th. D, Ph. D. of The Therapon Institute. (An Christiancounseling licensing and certification institution) writesForgive as an interrelated concept among the disciplines ofpsychology, theology and spiritual growth has grown since the 1990's. Christiancounselors and clinicians now point to forgiveness as a useful and necessary partof the wounded person's healing process. Dr. J. M. Brandsma writes in theBaker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling, 'Forgiveness isovercoming of negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors not by denying theoffense or the right to be hurt or angry, but by viewing the offender withacceptance ( if not compassion) so that the forgivercan be healed. Forgiveness is not denial or indifference, pardon, reconciliation,condoning, excusing, passive forgetting, weakness, or an interpersonal game. Forgiveness in do way cancels the crime, but it works to take care of thedistortions caused by the unhealthy aspects of anger and resentment so that theperson may achieve peace of mind and body.'How to forgive is the big question. In the 12 steps toforgiveness, Michael has imparted revelation truth in a simple and organizedformat that will be extremely helpful. Now, with the introduction of Michael'sbook, 'forgiveness focus groups,'¿ can become a reality. The work isBiblical andpowerful and much needed in the kingdom of God. The ministry and there laity are both crippled by the plagueof unforgiveness. Marriages fail, churches crumbleand lives are eventually emotionally destroyed because of unforgiveness. Washed up on the beaches of rescue missions and the streets of our large citiesare mentally impaired people who were drowned in the sea of unforgiveness. May God bless and use Michael's book to set many Christiansfree. Paul W. Carlin, Th. D, Ph. D. The Therapon Institute