"Forgiveness, Breaking the Chain of Hate"

by Michael Henderson.

 

Amica Publishing

ISBN 0-9726535-6-2

 

review By Kim Yahnke

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 

 
 

 
Michael Henderson is known world wide for his outstanding journalism and broadcasting efforts.  He knows much about world conflicts. In his book "Forgiveness, breaking the chain of hate" he writes about people, their difficult experiences in life and their different perspectives of tragedies they experienced.  He marvelously tells/writes the stories of those who were able to break the chain of evil. This book is the perfect book to read since many of us struggle with the events of September 11, 2001. Although some of us are still full of hatred and revenge, this book may help us to forgive others as God tells us to and to seek a 'new' understanding of forgiveness. This book offers new journeys we can take. . .journeys of braking the exponential progression of hate.
 
In my opinion the most likely readers would be those who have been wounded by personal tragedies created by others and those who recognize that they have committed tragedies in the lives of others. The author seeks answers and questions through real stories. . .how revenge fails and goodness has survived or surfaced.
 
The book "Forgiveness" tells us that we need (to give) forgiveness in order to end conflicts. If we as a country or individuals do not learn to forgive, we will never experience what life really has to offer:  A life of hope for others, wholeness and contentment.  This book allows us to gain a better understanding of others in this world.  To respect tragedy and not to forget. . .but to forgive.   We as humankind need to learn to forgive ourselves and others for the things that have been done by us and others.
 
If one reads the book it becomes clear, that forgiveness indeed is not about forgetting what happened or that we necessarily need to tolerate excuses of  people who committed evil.
 
As a reviewer I think the problem with forgiving others is that people will forgive, but many are still going to be out seeking revenge. If someone killed my family member or if my loved one, I too would be out for revenge and full of hate.
It is so very difficult to get a world so full of hate to forgive. Jesus had trouble getting people in his time to forgive others when he befriended a prostitute. People couldn't believe he forgave her when it was a sin to do what she was doing.
 
Michaels book is an excellent start of understanding forgiveness as we must love our neighbors as ourselves and the stories he tells will leave an impact for the eternal "good".  

 

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