ABSTRACT
Scientifically, we have a solid understanding of forgiveness, yet three groups of issues still need resolution. One unsettled issue is, whose definitions should prevail for what purposes? Major questions still needing an answer include how much weight should be given to lay definitions of forgiveness? Second, which theories are most useful for which purposes? I review three established theories and suggest that four new theories are simply awaiting clear articulation and testing. Third, what are the processes by which people forgive and become a more forgiving person, and what processes lead to unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness as a personality disposition? Early in the science of forgiveness, few choices existed among definitions, theories, and processes. As the field has matured, though, differentiation has occurred. In the present chapter, I seek to identify choices regarding definitions, theories, and processes. I also evaluate the strength of evidence supporting each approach.
