The crux of the thesis is this: Forgiveness is not an act to be done alone in a vacuum. It is meant to be between two people: the forgiver who offers forgiveness, and the contrasting party who accepts forgiveness after they have recognized their hurt and repented. Teasi is not alone in her assessment of the nature of forgiveness. Biblical scholars such as Chris Brauns, Vee Chandler, Anthony Bash, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Murray, John Piper, Nicholas Wolterstorff and more have all espoused this view. There may be differing points in other areas of theology between all of these varied believers, but they hold the same posture as Ms. Cannon in the arena of forgiveness.
In Counterfeit Forgiveness, Teasi Cannon examines this topic from many angles, touching on several areas of concern which are sensitive and deeply personal. What does one do when the person who has harmed you is no longer alive? What if it is simply unsafe to even engage with this person? If there is no sign of conviction or repentance when the hurt is made known, what then? Aren't Christians commanded to forgive everyone? Did not Christ Himself hold a generous heart towards those who were actively crucifying Him? If forgiveness is a mechanism which also brings a measure of freedom to the victim, what are they to do if offering the gift of forgiveness simply isn't possible?
Teasi addresses these issues and more, with humility and with intimate knowledge of what it means to be hurt by another. If you are carrying bitterness in your heart which has become burdensome and spiritually cancerous, consider the message of Teasi Cannon's Counterfeit Forgiveness. She and other authors in her position are offering a biblical model which embodies the way in which God offers forgiveness. The Lord also offers other means of healing and sanctification for hurting souls when the transaction of forgiveness does not occur. She writes:
"Biblical forgiveness requires confrontation, accountability, the involvement of Christian community, the possibility of unresolved relationships, and the willingness to accept lingering pain when repentance doesn’t come. Unilateral forgiveness only requires my own thoughts. For a culture that’s increasingly uncomfortable with conflict and quick to disengage, the solo version moved faster and avoided landmines. We simply like to travel the path of least resistance.”
This review is merely a thumbnail sketch of Teasi Cannon’s presentation of biblical forgiveness. Like other newcomers to this view, I also had many questions when I was first presented with it. The words “Well what about…?” came to mind often. While Teasi’s work is not exhaustive in this realm of study, it is a fine offering, giving the reader an accessible and relatable view of what it means to be hurt and to process that pain. I myself will always be a work in progress in this regard. I am so grateful to the voices of Teasi Cannon, Chris Brauns, Vee Chandler and others who are shedding light on this crucial topic. It inhabits the core of the Gospel message, and should be heard by all.
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