The Dynamics of Forgiveness

First published in 1964, The Dynamics of Forgiveness is the product of a parish and of theological study in the context of a parish. Written by a pastor, it attempts to give enough evidence to establish the place of forgiveness in theological thought, parish life, and personal health. The experiences presented have been subjected to investigation by tested procedures. The author states that he is not a church historian, a systematic theologian, or an authority on human behavior. However, he wished to raise questions for those that are experts in these disciplines and hoped that this book would raise a response.

This book is a re-issue originally published in 1964. The language used is a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.

Rev. Dr. James G. Emerson (1926-2018) spent a life serving communities and congregations across the USA, first in New York and New Jersey, followed by appointments to churches in Colorado and California. In the 1970s, he served as General Director of the Community Service Society of New York City, where he oversaw the transition of their strategy from casework to community practice (a significant and profound shift in approach) and was a pioneer in pastoral counseling of individuals in need of support.

Jim Emerson was not a ＂simple＂ Christian, but rather a man who at various times struggled with his faith. It was in Larchmont that Jim said he ＂lost my faith in God,＂ and considered leaving the ministry entirely. During this period, he spoke with one of the church elders and volunteered to resign, but the man advised him to ＂talk to us about what you believe, not what you don’t believe,＂ which Jim says ＂saved me for the ministry.＂ As a result of that experience, he wrote a book called The Dynamics ofForgiveness.