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"Unforgivable?" - Faculty Spotlight: Mark Rockenbach

by Christine Siampos on 2024-02-12T12:00:00-06:00 | 1 Comment

     Today, people in the secular world will claim that forgiveness is a very human thing to do, something that shows your kindness and humility. The classic saying “forgive and forget” is remembered in every human connection and relationship. If one wishes to maintain a relationship despite its twists and turns, one must always defer to that rule.

     It isn’t easy for us. Despite saying the words “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you”, sometimes the hurt left over starts to take root in our hearts. We wonder if the person who wronged us should be forgiven, or if we are worthy of forgiveness ourselves. If it gets too out of hand, it becomes a crippling feeling, a sickness.

     But we must remember that Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” God is and has always been our Great Physician. His concept of forgiveness is radical to the secularized world; thank goodness we live for a much greater cause.

     Unforgivable? is Dr. Mark Rockenbach and Ted Kober’s newest publication, explaining from stem to stern how God’s forgiveness can change our lives. Only the Bible correctly defines forgiveness as one of God’s many gifts to humanity. The act of forgiving without the thought of God only translates to a pale imitation of the real thing.

     Kober and Rockenbach’s writing style is succinct, straightforward, and realistic, providing an easy understanding of the material while still preaching the deep messages these heavy topics traverse. To practice unforgiveness is a grave action upon oneself that gives way to anger, hatred, and other vices that cloud the soul. This book teaches us how to avoid our own downfalls when dealing with sin, whether it is from an outside source or from within our own hearts.

     Using examples that echo real-life situations, each chapter takes a question about the struggles of forgiveness and provides teachings from the Bible to overcome those struggles. Everything from stolen property to the death of a loved one is recalled within these pages. Not to mention, the writing style and modern typography encourages a fun read for anyone looking into the subject.

     Interested? Find it in the Course Reserves alongside books like these:

Cover ArtThe meaning of meaning : a study of the influence of language upon thought and of the science of symbolism by by C.K. Ogden and I.A. Richards; With supplementary essays by B. Malinowski and F.G. Crookshank
Call Number: BF463.M4 O34 1946
Publication Date: 1946
 
 
 
Cover ArtThe Freedom of a Christian by Gilbert Meilaender
Call Number: BJ1251 .M488 2006
ISBN: 1587431939
Publication Date: 2006-09-01
 
 
 
Cover ArtHorrendous Evils and the Goodness of God by Marilyn McCord Adams
Call Number: BJ1401 .A435 1999
ISBN: 0801436117
Publication Date: 1999-06-15

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Posts: 0
Pamela Withrow 2024-02-21T15:14:47-06:00

Thank you for a thoughtful and insightful book review.


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Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library • 801 Seminary Place • St. Louis, MO 63105
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