Book Summary

Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller outlines the reasons why forgiveness has to be a central part of everyone’s lives.

“To err is human, to forgive divine,” has long been aspirational.  But our complicated modern world has questioned the benefits of forgiveness. Timothy Keller passionately defends the central role forgiveness has to play in our lives, and shows readers how and why forgiveness is the only way forward in an imperfect world.

Forgiving anyone in a meaningful way is one of the hardest things a person can do. If you do not forgive, resentment and vengeance consume you. It is impossible to move past transgression without forgiveness, but few people have the resources and the tools to forgive others fully and move on with their lives. Forgiveness is an essential skill, a moral imperative, and a religious belief that cuts right to the core of what it means to be human.  In Forgive, Timothy Keller shows readers why it is so important and how to do it, explaining in detail the steps you need to take in order to move on without sacrificing either justice or your humanity.

Praise

“People in all walks of life can find value in this book about spiritual forgiveness. Keller is a well-known pastor and author, and his insights into the true meaning of living in forgiveness will spark discussions and motivate action.”
—Forbes

“Pastor Keller delivers a thorough and eloquent apologetic for forgiveness… All will appreciate Keller’s lucid prose and gift for succinctly summarizing biblical wisdom. The result is a thought-provoking take on how to forgive.”
—Publishers Weekly

“The author presents a solid defense of Christian forgiveness theology within a modern, relevant context, quoting sources as varied as Augustine, Adele, Kafka, and Clint Eastwood….Refreshing, accessible work on the basics of forgiveness from a Christian perspective.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Author Info

Timothy Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He was first a pastor in Hopewell, Virginia. In 1989 he started Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, with his wife, Kathy, and their three sons. Today, Redeemer has become a network of sister churches and church plants. After stepping out of the pulpit, Dr. Keller worked with Redeemer City to City to help affiliate networks around the world to plant over 750 churches worldwide. He taught at Reformed Seminary NYC. Also the author of Every Good Endeavor, The Meaning of Marriage, Generous Justice, Counterfeit Gods, The Prodigal God, Jesus the King, and The Reason for God, as well as many others, Timothy Keller lived in New York City with his wife until his passing on May 19th, 2023.