The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers

Episode 53: Forgiveness

Episode Summary

In this 53rd episode, Dr. Knabb explores the powerful topic of forgiveness, doing so from both secular psychological and Christian perspectives. In particular, he explores forgiveness as a psychological variable for measurement and intervention, then pivots toward a biblical understanding of the topic. To conclude, he offers a meditative practice, anchored to Puritan spirituality, to help Christians remember Jesus' act of forgiveness on the cross and, in turn, forgive others on an ongoing basis.

Episode Notes

References

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Forgiveness. https://dictionary.apa.org/forgiveness

Beeke, J., & Jones, M. (2012). A Puritan theology: Doctrine for life. Reformation Heritage Books.

Davis, J. C. (2001). Pardoning Puritanism: Community, character, and forgiveness in the work of Richard Baxter. Journal of Religious Ethics, 29(2), 283-306.

Gao, F., Li, Y., & Bai, X. (2022). Forgiveness and subjective well-being: A meta-analysis review. Personality and Individual Differences, 186, 111350.

Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Forgiveness. Holman Bible Publishers.

Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.

Lin, Y., Worthington Jr., E. L., Griffin, B. J., Greer, C. L., Opare‐Henaku, A., Lavelock, C. R., & Muller, H. (2014). Efficacy of REACH forgiveness across cultures. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(9), 781-793.

Rasmussen, K. R., Stackhouse, M., Boon, S. D., Comstock, K., & Ross, R. (2019). Meta-analytic connections between forgiveness and health: The moderating effects of forgiveness-related distinctions. Psychology & Health, 34(5), 515-534.

Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Forgiveness. Upper Room Books. 

Wade, N. G., Worthington Jr, E. L., & Meyer, J. E. (2005). But do they work? A meta-analysis of group interventions to promote forgiveness. Handbook of Forgiveness, 423-440.

Wade, N. G., Hoyt, W. T., Kidwell, J. E., & Worthington Jr., E. L. (2014). Efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions to promote forgiveness: a meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 82(1), 154.

Worthington, E. (2003). Forgiving and reconciling: Bridges to wholeness and hope. InterVarsity Press.

Worthington, E. (n.d.). REACH forgiveness of others. http://www.evworthington-forgiveness.com/reach-forgiveness-of-others