Resources on Forgiveness
Gathered by ELCA Resource Center Directors

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Discover the Power of Forgiveness from the Discover Your Bible, Series 4. A 6-session inductive Bible study. Faith Alive Christian Resources, participant's book $3.75; leader's guide $4.95.

El Perdon (Forgiveness), part of: Estudios Biblicos para Grupos Pequenos: (Small-Group Bible Study Series). Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Item no. 0806633220, $1.49/

Facing the Truth with Bill Moyers is a two-part video series describing the efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as they investigate human rights violations and help South Africa in its process healing. Films for the Humanities and Sciences, $159.95.

Fire of Grace: The Healing Power of Forgiveness by Richard W. Rouse is a new and powerful story about the process of healing and transformation between a congregation, their pastor, and the convicted arsonist who burned down their church. (Online discussion with the author?) Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Item No: 0806651121, $12.99

Forgiveness: A Miracle of Love, a 15-minute videotape telling the Fire of Grace story (see above). Study guide included. Seraphim Communications, $19.95.

Forgiveness: What the Bible Teaches, What You Need to Know by Andrew Kuyvenhoven and Leonard Kuyvenhoven. is a seven-session adult study that examines the relationship between God’s forgiveness of us and our forgiveness of others. Faith Alive Christian Resources, book $11.50; leader's guide $13.25.

A Forgiving Heart: Prayers for Blessing and Reconciliation, edited by Lyn Klug, examines the healing power of forgiveness for ourselves, the people closest to us, and our world. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Item no. 0806639970, $15.99.

Forgiving the Unforgivable: Restorative Justice examines the rights of victims, their families, the offenders, and the communities they live in. Part of the Summer 1999 Mosaic, study guide included, $19.95.

A Human Being Died That Night: A South African Story of Forgiveness by Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela is an acutely nuanced and original study of a state-sanctioned mass murderer. It is a provocative first-person encounter with the human face of evil. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Item No: 0618211896, $24.00

Is God's forgiveness dependent on our repentance? by Mark Allan Powell is a segment on the popular SELECT video series Wouldn't You Like to Know (Tape #1). Includes a brief leader guide. $18.00

Journey toward Forgiveness, ABC documentary video features stories of anger and forgiveness in the face of death, including family survivors of violent or wrongful death; near-death from racial injustice; terminal illness, and reconciliation for crimes against ancestors. Mennonite Media, $24.95 (there are three spin-off videos also).

No Future without Forgiveness is the wonderful book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. His personal accounting as chair of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a pioneering international event, he offers his reflections on the profound wisdom he has gained by helping usher South Africa through this painful experience. Doubleday, Item #0-385-49690-7, $14.95

The Power of Forgiveness is a powerful DVD which looks at different real-life situations with four studies in this which open our minds and our hearts to a new understanding of forgiveness so we can embrace it as a key to a wholesome and free life. Paraclete Press, $84.95.

Prayer Starters - On the Way To Forgiveness by Denis Robinson is a book of motivations, meditations, prayer exercises, and a rich variety of actual prayers. Catholic Supply of St. Louis, Item #87099, $4.95

Return of the Wolf, a book by Martin Bell (Seabury Press; out of print, check with your local resource center) weaves stories for all ages which reflect on the nature of love, commitment, forgiveness and salvation.

Reconcilable Differences: Gifts and Challenges of Relationships, part of the Intersections Small Group Series. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Item no. 0806638788, $6.99.

Speaking of Sin, a book by Barbara Brown Taylor who explains that if we try to abandon the language of sin, we lose the language of grace, and without that, we cannot understand forgiveness. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Item no. 1561011894, $10.95

The Way of Forgiveness by Marjorie Thompson, from the Companions in Christ series is an eight-session exploration of the forgiven and forgiving life using Scripture, meditation and other spiritual practices. Upper Room Press, participant's book, $12.00; leader's guide $8.00.

Children

God Wants Me to Forgive Them?!? is a Veggie Tales episode in which Jr. Asparagus learns what it means to forgive - even sour grapes and absentminded cucumbers. Big Idea Productions, DVD Item No. V820413100292,$14.99, VHS Item No. V80689517433, $12.99

Marpel Is Stuck! And Other Really Good Reasons to Forgive by Sandy Silverthorne is a great children's book on forgiveness.  When Marpel wants to take revenge on friends who have mistreated her, she realizes she is the one stuck in the prison of unforgiveness.  Cook Communication Ministries, ISBN # : 0781432413, $13.99.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles is a children's book which ends with a prayer for forgiveness. Illustrations are beautiful! The true story of an extraordinary 6-year-old who helped shape history when she became the first African American sent to first grade in an all white school. This moving book captures the courage of a little girl standing alone in the face of racism. Scholastic, Inc., ISBN: 0590572814, $16.95.

Youth

70 x 7: Learning to Forgive and be Forgiven by Jolene DeHeer, a DVD for high school youth who will enjoy a four- session course to help them discover God’s forgiving love. Faith Alive Christian Resources, Item #131336, $19.95.

Bridge to Forgiveness, a Bible study for youth which delves into the process of forgiving and being forgiven using the story of Jacob and Esau. Mennonite Media, $19.95.

A Father and Two Sons is a CD-ROM program based on the story of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15.11-32. Requires multimedia 486DX/33 and Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later. American Bible Society, ISBN 1-58516-571-9, $29.95

Fiesta - a film retelling of the story of the Prodigal Son by Concordia Publishing House (out of print; check with your local resource center).

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