Forgive Us

Four leading voices in Christian reconciliation and justice movements co-author a volume which promotes corporate confession for past grievances committed by Christians. It will appeal to thoughtful readers, and those interested in reading about cultural intelligence, social justice, and cultural critique. Evangelical Christianity in America has a reputation for political self-interest and hurtful attitudes toward homosexuals, women, minorities, followers of different religions, and others outside its fold. Though sometimes unfair, sadly, this reputation is too often deserved. In Forgive Us, four evangelical leaders in the reconciliation and justice movements confess the church's public failings and call on fellow believers to reengage the surrounding culture in a new and better way. Using biblical examples from Psalm 51 to the teachings of Jesus to the prayers of Nehemiah, Forgive Us reveals that confession is the proper biblical response when God's people have injured others and turned their backs on God's ways. Each chapter of Forgive Us provides accurate and compelling histories of some of the American church's greatest shortcomings followed by theological reflections and appropriate words of confession and repentance. Passionate and purposeful, Forgive Us will challenge evangelical readers and issue a heart-felt request to the surrounding culture for forgiveness and a new beginning.