Submitted by: Submitted by GrannysBaby
Views: 10
Words: 940
Pages: 4
Category: Spirituality
Date Submitted: 09/07/2015 11:50 AM
August 26, 2015
The Church as a Forgiving Community: An initial Model
Summary
Magnuson and Enright’s, The Church as a Forgiving Community: An Initial Model, is an article focusing on the church as one of three interdependent groups with the ability to facilitate the process of forgiveness. Although forgiveness has always been an important part of the church’s message; social scientists became interested when Smedes (1984) and Worthington and DiBlasie (1990), as cited by Magnuson and Enright (2008), introduced the topic with an emphasis on process models and explicit explanations of how one should go about forgiving others. Enright’s process model and Worthington’s REACH model are two of the most cited. Each have different and distinct process paths; however, both models advocate empathy as critical to the forgiving process. In fact, according to Wade and Worthington (2005; p. 167), as cited by Magnuson and Enright (2008), empathy was a factor in all fourteen published forgiveness interventions. Studies with the REACH model (first three steps) showed lower physiological stress responses and greater perceived control than holding grudges. Later studies using the full REACH model and integration of components from Worthington’s and Enright’s model proved successful as intervention tools. These later studies also showed increased psychological and physiological health.
Realizing the physical, emotional and mental health advantages of forgiving, Magnuson and Enright directed their attention to the church as a model of a forgiving community with the ability to teach children during the developmental years the process of granting and receiving forgiveness. Citing Lampton, Oliver, Worthington and Berry (2005), Magnuson and Enright (2008; p. 116) propose that “churches can promote forgiving by promoting an environment that specifically values forgiveness by preaching, teaching and providing learning opportunities through experience and observation.” The church model...