If Christianity is to be a compelling and relevant voice in the 21st century it needs to return to its roots – those of radical forgiveness, argues Brian Zahnd in a book that takes a fresh look at what is one of the central themes of the Christian message.

The book begins with the story Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal’s told in his book The Sunflower, of his encounter with a dying SS soldier who asks for forgiveness. Wiesenthal hears the soldier’s story but leaves the room in silence.

Are there acts of evil so great they can’t be forgiven? Should we always forgive? What is the relationship between forgiveness and justice?

With the Wiesenthal story setting the scene, Zahnd explores all these difficult issues. In the process he challenges Christians to rediscover the heart of the gospel – forgiving love as practised by Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus forgave, so we must forgive also, just as it says in the Lord’s Prayer.

Zahnd presents us with a well-written, theologically sound, persuasive argument as to why Christian forgiveness is the compelling alternative – in fact the only alternative – to a world defined by revenge and retribution.

– Duncan Pardon

By Brian Zahnd
Charisma House
ISBN 978-1-61638-273-5