Making a Case for Forgiveness as a Major Goal of Christian Education, with Implications for Christian Educators

Abstract

Can forgiveness be a major goal of Christian education? Can the common objectives of Christian education be operationalized around the goal of helping congregants exhibit Christ-like love for the ones who have hurt them? In this article, the author attempts to answer these questions by discussing what human forgiveness is and is not, followed by a discussion on how it differs from divine forgiveness, how forgiveness as a major goal of Christian education aligns with the common objectives of Christian education, and finally, how forgiveness can be applied in the congregational educational context.