Book of Forgiving

The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World

By: Desmond Tutu, Mpho Tutu

Narrated by: Mpho Tutu, Hakeem Kae Kazim

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

How do I forgive?

Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu has witnessed some of the worst crimes people can inflict on others. So wherever he goes, he inevitably gets asked this question. This audiobook is his answer. Writing with his daughter, Mpho, an Anglican priest, they lay out the simple but profound truths about the significance of forgiveness, how it works, why everyone needs to know how to grant it and receive it, and why granting forgiveness is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves when we have been wronged.

They explain the four-step process of forgiveness - Telling the Story, Naming the Hurt, Granting Forgiveness, and Renewing or Releasing the Relationship - as well as offer meditations, exercises, and prayers to guide the listener along the way.

"With each act of forgiveness, whether small or great, we move toward wholeness," they write. "Forgiveness is how we bring peace to ourselves and our world."

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2014 Desmond M. Tutu and Mpho A. Tutu (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

Powerful

This book strikes a much more profound chord than any other I've read on this subject. Whether you've experienced (or inflicted) a great harm or not, this is a book that just might change your life.

Some good points but ultimately shallow

This book came recommended by my pastor. I quite frankly was hoping for more. Desmond Tutu is black South African who adopted the religion of white settler colonists and lead an all white congregation and whos leadership and accolades in the west were contingent on compromising black human rights in South Africa. The truth and reconciliation commission was needed in South Africa as the example of Zimbabwe next door was poor. Zimbabwe government lead to the near complete exodus of whites which resulted in an even worse system with a brutal dictatorship where both freedom and quality of life fell dramatically. In south Africa the goal was to enfranchise blacks and maintain a system where all were welcome and where the good of all was encouraged. In this framework, forgiveness and reconciliation was in the interest of both black and white.

I am part of a historic peace church where a huge premium is placed on reconciliation and forgiveness. It sounds great in theory but what it leads to is extreme passive aggressive behavior. For example, if you are raped, you are expected to forgive and if you do not, the shame is yours particularly if the rapist says sorry. Indeed stories abound of abuse victims leaving historic peace churches because of the burden of being victim is compounded by the burden of being less is there without forgiveness. So communities built with the very principles this book espouses end up being as dysfunctional as the retributive communities that I will say this book has a problem with. In the end the book does make the needed point of not holding grudges and to try to forgive. Not holding on to anger does in fact lower anxiety. So this book is of value for many reading it but the premise that all humans are good and don’t really need to atone for sin falls flat.

important facts on forgiveness

loved it. very helpful and inspirational. teaches that forgiveness must take place, but you do not need to forget the hurt that was done.

Transformative

I am a better person for having this book shared in my life. Thank you for this gift to the world.

life changing

I struggled to finished only because the book was so true, it was hard to listen to some points. I spoke to my pain in a way I cannot describe. but at the same time gave me hope in humanity. anyone who needs to forgive anyone including themselves, needs to read this!

Very insightful and practical!

I liked the practical applications of the principles shared in the book. Recommend to anyone from young adult to senior citizen.

A necessary process for healing

Grateful for this easy to understand, yet very challenging process. Highly recommended for those who desire to take life and love to the next level.

Life Altering

The wisdom shared in this work has given me a lot to think about and more importantly alot to do moving forward on some difficult aspects of my life. I feel removed from a certain 'stuckness' around the issue of forgiveness... I have the kindle book but the audio book really hit home for me. I think I will listen and re-listen to the book again as I navigate innerwork.

Thank you for sharing this powerful and thoughtful work

Turn the other cheek

What made the experience of listening to Book of Forgiving the most enjoyable?

very deep book that shows how human love and openness can help let go off all the hate and hurt one feels inside. the lessons that are taught and activities help make this a very gripping book. one that should be part of every therapist and psychologist library.

Which scene was your favorite?

holding a rock for 8 hours

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it made me aware

Life changing

I see the light to a happy life now. This book will help me heal and help me let go of anger and resentment.