Forgiveness

Forgiveness and Psychology
By Gill McChesney and Alwyn Thompson

This paper is the first in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two-year period as part of the Embodying forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI).

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Forgiveness and the Old Testament
By David Montgomery

This paper is the second in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two-year period as part of the Embodying forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI).

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Forgiveness in the New Testament
By Janet Unsworth

This paper is the third in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

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Forgiveness in the Protestant Tradition
By Stephen Graham

This paper is the fourth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness in the Catholic Tradition
By Eoin de Bhaldraithe O.Cist

This paper is the fifth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness in the Anabaptist Tradition
By Megan Halteman

This paper is the sixth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing papers to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness in the Orthodox Tradition
By Geoffrey Ready

This paper is the seventh in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness, Truth and Memory
By Alwyn Thompson

This paper is the eighth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of
papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

By Alwyn Thompson

This paper is the eighth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI).

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Justice
By Geraldine Smyth and Stephen Graham

This paper is the ninth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing papers to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness, Guilt and Repentance
By Stephen Graham

This paper is the tenth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness and the Individual
By Janet Morris

This paper is the eleventh in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness and the Church
By Lesley Carroll

This paper is the twelfth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness and Politics
By Haddon Willmer

This paper is the thirteenth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download

Forgiveness and Popular Culture
By Gareth Higgins

This paper is the fourteenth in a series of 15 papers to be produced over a two year period as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers aim to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. It is worth saying at the outset that we have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who will be contributing to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download.

Forgiveness 15 - Concluding Reflections
This paper is the last in a series of 15 papers to be produced as part of the Embodying Forgiveness project run by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland (CCCI). Drawing on a broad range of contributors, from a broad range of backgrounds, the papers have aimed to explore the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible and in different Christian traditions, and to ask about the implications of the practice of forgiveness for our society. We have not insisted on a particular definition or understanding of forgiveness among those who contributed to the series. Rather, our hope is that through this series of papers we will come to a fuller and more authentic understanding of forgiveness and its implications for church and society.

Click here for free download

Pathways

A Time to Heal

by Stanley Hauerwas

How should we deal with the wounds of history? In a community tormented by its ever present past should we not ‘forgive and forget’?

No, says Stanley Hauerwas. Christians are required to confess and remember their sins, but they are also required to remember the sins of those who have sinned against them. Any reconciliation that does not require such a remembering cannot be a reconciliation made possible by the cross of Christ.

Click here for free download.

For God and His Glory Alone

Biblical Frameworks:

Does the Bible have anything to say about “the Troubles”?

This book is an invitation to look afresh at the Bible. It is an invitation to ask God what kind of people we should be and how we should live as Christians in Northern Ireland. Our hope is that as we examine our values and actions in the light of God’s word we may be open to the Holy Spirit, submitted to the Lordship of Christ and dedicated to live For God and His Glory Alone.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2

This book is an invitation to look afresh at the Bible. It is an invitation to ask God what kind of people we should be and how we should live as Christians in Northern Ireland. Our hope is that as we examine our values and actions in the light of God’s word we may be open to the Holy Spirit, submitted to the Lordship of Christ and dedicated to live For God and His Glory Alone.

Click here for free download.

What Does the Lord Require of Us? Evangelicals Asking Questions
The five questions asked in this booklet go to the heart of the reality of the Kingdom of God that is within us. We do not want simply to accept the neatest answers our tradition provides. We want instead to stay with the questions, wrestling with God until we discover afresh his answer and then, having done so, to ACT.

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A Future With Hope: Biblical Frameworks
Evangelical Contribution on Northern Ireland is a broad coalition of evangelical Christians from throughout the Protestant churches in Northern Ireland. Since its inception in 1987, ECONI has sought to understand and apply biblical principles to the divided community in Northern Ireland. Its primary function is to address its own constituency, and challenge evangelicals to ask questions concerning their life and witness in the community. Central to this is the necessity to allow biblical values to determine attitudes and actions in response to the issues facing a community in conflict.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you A FUTURE WITH HOPE.”
Jeremiah 29:11

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Beyond Fear, Suspicion and Hostility
How should evangelicals relate to Roman Catholics?

In this booklet, the first in the PATHWAYS series published by ECONI, we look at some of the answers to this question coming from the evangelical community in Northern Ireland.

The conflict in Northern Ireland raises many difficult, sometimes controversial, issues for Christians. Often we choose to ignore or avoid them. PATHWAYS is an attempt to address them biblically. Our goal is to find God’s path, the good way, and to walk in it.

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The Fractured Family
This booklet, the second in the PATHWAYS series published by ECONI:

  • looks at fundamentalism and evangelicalism in Northern Ireland,
  • challenges some of the assumptions often made about them, and,
  • explains the evangelical foundations of ECONI

Click here for free download.

The Fire and the Hammer
A complacent people had tried God’s patience to the limit. God, in his mercy, offered one last chance through his prophet Jeremiah. As they stood at the crossroads what would they choose?

And what does Jeremiah’s message to the people of God then have to say to the people of God now?

Click here for free download, or add to cart to order a paper copy.

The Politics of Holiness
Jesus came to a people whose vision of holiness was not just personal, but social and political. Yet far from commending them, he challenged their vision time and time again. He proclaimed instead his vision of a holy community marked by mercy, service and love of neighbour and enemy. But how do we measure up? What is our vision of holiness? And would Jesus commend us or challenge us?

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Embodying Forgiveness
by L Gregory Jones

Forgiveness is a way of life that takes time, argues Greg Jones. Far from being a matter of the moment or of words spoken or unspoken, forgiveness is a craft that requires that we unlearn the habits of sin and learn instead the habits of holiness in the community of the church.

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Forgiveness: Making a World of Difference
by Mark Amstutz, John Brewer, Cecil McCullough, Duncan Morrow

What difference might forgiveness make to a world of conflict? What lessons can we in Northern Ireland learn from the experiences of others?

These are some of the questions discussed in this collection of papers – challenging us to see the power of forgiveness in the resolution of conflict in Northern Ireland and the wider world.

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Patmos Paper

The Separation of Church and State
This is a transcript of the first Catherwood lecture delivered by Sir Fred Catherwood on 24 September 1998 at Union College.

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Christian Social Reform: What is the Agenda?
This is an edited version of the second Catherwood Lecture in Public Theology delivered by Dr Michael Schluter on 5 October 1999 at Union Theological College, Belfast. Dr Schluter is founder and Director of the Jubilee Centre, a Christian research and campaigning organisation based in Cambridge, and the Relationships Foundation.

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Trust and Risk: Christian Virtues in Politics?
This is an edited version of the fourth Catherwood Lecture in Public Theology delivered by Professor Duncan Forrester on 26 September 2000 at Union Theological College, Belfast. Duncan Forrester has recently retired as Professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology at New College, University of Edinburgh.

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The Great Divide: Overcoming the SSD Syndrome
This is an edited version of the fifth Catherwood Lecture in Public Theology delivered by Mark Greene on 18 October 2001 at Union Theological College, Belfast. Mark Greene spent ten years working in advertising. He studied theology at the London Bible College, lectured there in communications and contemporary culture and served as Vice Principal. He is now the Director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.

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Global Christianity and the Healing of the Nations
This is an edited version of the sixth Catherwood Lecture in Public Theology delivered by David Smith on 24 October 2002 in Belfast. David W. Smith is Lecturer in Urban Mission and World Christianity at the International Christian College, Glasgow. He was formerly Co-director of the Whitefield Institute, Oxford, and Principal of Northumbria Bible College. He is the author of Mission After Christendom, Crying in the Wilderness: Evangelicalism and Mission in Today’s Culture, Transforming the World? The Social Impact of British Evangelicalism, and Against the Stream: Christianity and Mission in an Age of Globalization.

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Recent Additions

At Home In Exile: The Journey Toward a New Paradigm

Note: For larger orders please contact the office. Email: info@contemporarychristianity.net

By Peter McDowell

The numbers of people attending church are declining. Churches are closing and the influence the church once had in society is waning. The natural response is to immediately look for solutions to the problems. However, finding appropriate solutions depends on a correct understanding of the problem.

In ‘At Home in Exile’ Peter McDowell shows how the experience of exile in the Old Testament can provide a way for the church to understand its current experience of marginalisation. The feelings associated with the three stages of the exile experience resonate with our current experience. The first stage is entering exile, and has associated feelings of shock and denial. The second stage, being in exile, has feelings of anger and depression. The third stage, departing from exile, is associated with acceptance and integration.

“Peter’s book is an invaluable companion for the people of God being taken into exile. Its challenging insights, observations and analysis are complemented by encouragement and hope to journey into an unknown future with a known God and to be at home in exile.”
Roy Searle
Northumbria Community

“The imagery of exile is increasingly popular as a way of describing the experience of Christians in western societies as the era of Christendom fades and we negotiate the transitional phase known as ‘post-Christendom’. Peter McDowell’s book is a welcome addition to the literature on what he describes as ‘a new paradigm.’

If this analogy between the experience of Israelite exiles in Babylon and that of Christians in post-Christendom holds, we will benefit from reflecting carefully on the exilic literature of the Old Testament. McDowell helps us do this, arguing that we should be especially attentive today to this part of Scripture.

Two distinctive aspects of this book are the Northern Irish context from which McDowell writes and his creative use of the ‘stages of grief’ as the framework for his exploration of the exilic literature. McDowell’s exegesis and insights provide helpful guidelines for us as we learn to be ‘at home in exile’ and to seize the fresh opportunities as well as facing the challenges of post-Christendom culture.”
Stuart Murray-Williams
Anabaptist Network and author of ‘The Power of All: Building a Multivoiced Church’, ‘Post-Christendom: Church and Mission in a Strange New World’ and other books.

A comprehensive review of the book can be found on Gladys Ganiel’s blog. Click here.

A Contemporary Covenant Service - Powerpoint Presentation
On 29 September 1912 the majority of the adult Protestant population of Ulster signed a document known as the Solemn League and Covenant. Many churches were involved in services associated to the signing of the Covenant.

One hundred years on we offer an order of service which we hope will be of use for churches, groups or individuals who wish to recognise this historic event in an appropriate way.

The service is in the form of a written liturgy. We hope that those who do not normally use a written liturgy might use elements of it, as appropriate in their worship. Alternatively, the liturgy may provide ideas and inspiration which can be included in other ways in other styles of worship service.

We pray that it will prove a helpful resource, however it is used, in encouraging local churches and individuals to Covenant as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

A PowerPoint presentation to accompany the Contemporary Covenant Service.

Click here for free download.

1912: A Hundred Years On - script

The script of the drama is free to download.

Click here to download.

Devotional Materials

Power and Providence: Studies on the Book of Esther
The book of Esther is a dramatic tale portraying the seedier side of Persian court life, in the 4th Century BCE in all its rather murky glory. The authority of King Ahasuerus is called into question in a court beset by bitter rivalry, chaos and ancient hatreds. A royal edict is issued which condemns to death all Jews living in exile in Persia. What can be done in the face of this threatened genocide?

It is decision time for the Jews close to the king and, in particular, for the young Queen Esther. It is time to stand up and be counted.

One of the few Bible books in which God is not overtly mentioned, what has the Book of Esther to say to us today? How should we engage in the often morally ambivalent world of politics and power? How are we, as Christians, called to live in the public square?

This booklet of four studies is suitable for either personal reflection or group discussion and is offered as part of the Centre for Contemporary Christianity’s ongoing commitment to providing relevant and accessible biblical resources.

One of the few Bible books in which God is not overtly mentioned, what has the Book of Esther to say to us today? How should we engage in the often morally ambivalent world of politics and power? How are we, as Christians, called to live in the public square?

This booklet of four studies is suitable for either personal reflection or group discussion and is offered as part of the Centre for Contemporary Christianity’s ongoing commitment to providing relevant and accessible biblical resources.

Click here for free download, or add to cart to order a paper copy.

Out of the Depths
“Out of the Depths” is a resource from the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland designed to help us reflect on the consequences of the “Troubles”. The material offers an opportunity to consider the legacy of hurt, the need for healing and the challenge of forgiveness if we are to remember the past redemptively. The resource provides a series of biblical reflections helpful to those with a particular experience of hurt and for the wider community, as we seek healing through remembering together. The content of this resource will be of value for both private and shared reflection and can be used on Thursday, 21st June 2007 as part of “A Day of Private Reflection,” or some other occasion of personal or community remembering.

Click here for free download.

What Child is This?
“For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…”
Isaiah 9:6

The season of Advent is a time of hope, waiting, preparation and promise. This resource explores these themes through the stories of four figures each rooted in the prophetic tradition: Malachi, Mary, Rachel and Simeon and is suitable for both personal reflection and group study.

What child is this? and what does his advent mean? This is the long-awaited Christ whose coming is the ultimate expression of God’s love for the world. A world which he would turn upside-down.

Click here for free download.

Difficult Paths
We often regard the seven days which follow Palm Sunday as Holy Week. Following Jesus’ entry in to Jerusalem, the original Holy Week saw Jesus led to his death on a cross and climaxed with his resurrection.

This resource contains seven readings and reflections from the final chapters of Luke’s gospel, beginning at the end of Luke 19. They are intended as daily reflections running from Monday to Easter Sunday, but of course can be used on other occasions.

They highlight the difficult path that Jesus followed in the week leading up to his death and resurrection. Undeniably, these singular events have a profound individual significance – Christ died for our sins. But the concerns of Jesus and the implication of this story also demand that we look beyond ourselves. As we journey through Holy Week we are challenged, not only about how we follow him on this path to new life, but also how we can bring the new life of Christ to bear in our communities and the world in which we live.

Click here for free download.

Out of the Ordinary

Praying in unexpected places

‘Out of the ordinary’ is a devotional resource for use by individuals, groups and leaders during Lent, Holy Week or at other times.

The booklet and seven postcards which accompany it, encourages you to go and spend time in a range of places, both familiar and unfamiliar, and offers readings and guidance for reflection and prayer there.

By becoming prayerfully present to God in these ordinary and yet often quite challenging settings we can discover God’s transformative presence and connect with the needs of our world in new and meaningful ways.

Click here for free download

A Contemporary Covenant Service - Powerpoint Presentation
On 29 September 1912 the majority of the adult Protestant population of Ulster signed a document known as the Solemn League and Covenant. Many churches were involved in services associated to the signing of the Covenant.

One hundred years on we offer an order of service which we hope will be of use for churches, groups or individuals who wish to recognise this historic event in an appropriate way.

The service is in the form of a written liturgy. We hope that those who do not normally use a written liturgy might use elements of it, as appropriate in their worship. Alternatively, the liturgy may provide ideas and inspiration which can be included in other ways in other styles of worship service.

We pray that it will prove a helpful resource, however it is used, in encouraging local churches and individuals to Covenant as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

A PowerPoint presentation to accompany the Contemporary Covenant Service.

Click here for free download.

Sounding Series

At Home In Exile: The Journey Toward a New Paradigm

Note: For larger orders please contact the office. Email: info@contemporarychristianity.net

By Peter McDowell

The numbers of people attending church are declining. Churches are closing and the influence the church once had in society is waning. The natural response is to immediately look for solutions to the problems. However, finding appropriate solutions depends on a correct understanding of the problem.

In ‘At Home in Exile’ Peter McDowell shows how the experience of exile in the Old Testament can provide a way for the church to understand its current experience of marginalisation. The feelings associated with the three stages of the exile experience resonate with our current experience. The first stage is entering exile, and has associated feelings of shock and denial. The second stage, being in exile, has feelings of anger and depression. The third stage, departing from exile, is associated with acceptance and integration.

“Peter’s book is an invaluable companion for the people of God being taken into exile. Its challenging insights, observations and analysis are complemented by encouragement and hope to journey into an unknown future with a known God and to be at home in exile.”
Roy Searle
Northumbria Community

“The imagery of exile is increasingly popular as a way of describing the experience of Christians in western societies as the era of Christendom fades and we negotiate the transitional phase known as ‘post-Christendom’. Peter McDowell’s book is a welcome addition to the literature on what he describes as ‘a new paradigm.’

If this analogy between the experience of Israelite exiles in Babylon and that of Christians in post-Christendom holds, we will benefit from reflecting carefully on the exilic literature of the Old Testament. McDowell helps us do this, arguing that we should be especially attentive today to this part of Scripture.

Two distinctive aspects of this book are the Northern Irish context from which McDowell writes and his creative use of the ‘stages of grief’ as the framework for his exploration of the exilic literature. McDowell’s exegesis and insights provide helpful guidelines for us as we learn to be ‘at home in exile’ and to seize the fresh opportunities as well as facing the challenges of post-Christendom culture.”
Stuart Murray-Williams
Anabaptist Network and author of ‘The Power of All: Building a Multivoiced Church’, ‘Post-Christendom: Church and Mission in a Strange New World’ and other books.

A comprehensive review of the book can be found on Gladys Ganiel’s blog. Click here.

The Theological Grounds for Advocating Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the Public Realm
Alan Torrance

The escalating threat of terrorism and the tragic events of recent history, in Asia and the Middle East and also much nearer home, illustrate the profoundly divisive and destructive character of religion. Those same histories suggest that the pursuit of ‘justice’ all too often simply compounds terror by generating a downward spiral of violence in the name of ‘retribution’.

This booklet asks whether Christianity, with its tarnished history, is simply further illustration of the polarising tendency of religion. Or has the Gospel something more radical and significant to offer on how we confront evil and alienation in a divided and war-torn world?

Divided Past: Shared Future - Essays on Churches addressing the legacy of the Troubles
David Campton / Nigel Biggar

This booklet, comprising two essays contemplating the legacy of the Troubles, is the second in the Soundings Series from Centre for Contemporary Christianity which offers substantive exploration of topics relevant to today’s church.

In Divine and Human: Nurturing a Spirituality and Culture of Forgiveness, David Campton offers a reflective essay on the work conducted by the Centre for Contemporary Christianity on the subject of forgiveness.

Nigel Biggar’s keynote address to the 2007 Centre Conference, Between Sentimentality and Cynicism: The Churches’ Contribution to Remembering the Political Past addresses some difficult questions around healing, remembering and reconciliation and sets out a Christian vision of peace for the future.