An Assessment of Contemporary Models of Forgiveness

An Assessment of Contemporary Models of Forgiveness examines recent psychological and theological models of forgiveness and introduces the concept of communal forgiveness nurtured and mediated through the community of faith. The psychological models are generally individualistic in nature and are concerned with the psychological wellbeing of the victims. The theological models of forgiveness emphasize the importance of interpersonal forgiveness as a Christian witness in the imitation of God's forgiveness. The foundation of the theological models is the Triune God who through the cross of Christ forgave the sins of the ungodly.

"Celestin Musekura had just begun doctoral studies in Dallas when he learned that many of his own family members had been killed in a wave of genocide reprisals back home in Rwanda. Revenge would have been understandable, but he said, 'I have preached forgiveness, and now it is my turn to practice it. To my family I say, I will pray for those who brutally murdered you, and I will care for their children.' It should come as no surprise that Celestin's understanding of forgiveness, well expressed in these pages, is restoring communities throughout sub-Saharan Africa. He knows and practices that of which he speaks. This book sets a course for realistic, collective transformation."-Robert A. Pyne, Th.D., Director, Peace and Justice Center, St. Norbert College

CELESTIN MUSEKURA, Ph.D. is an ordained Baptist minister who was born in Rwanda and educated in Rwanda, Congo, and Kenya before coming to the United States. He is the President and Founder of the African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries (ALARM, Inc.), a ministry with staff in Africa and the United States whose mission is to train church and community leaders throughout east and central Africa in areas of leadership, conflict resolution, forgiveness, and tribal reconciliation. He received a Bachelor of Theology at Kenya Highlands Bible College and a Master of Divinity at Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST) in Kenya. He also earned a Master of Sacred Theology and a Ph.D. in Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. In addition to his theological studies, Musekura has done intensive studies in conflict resolution, mediation, and reconciliation at the Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia and Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas.