ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors describe the synthesis of three theoretical models: a stress-and-coping model of forgiveness (which draws completely on psychology), a model of relational spirituality (which draws from both a long tradition of relational theology and the psychology of religion and spirituality), and a structural model of relational spirituality and forgiveness (a psychological but theologically informed model that unites the major participants in resolving a hurt or offense in spiritual perspective). Theologians have written about forgiveness for centuries. Many questions addressed by psychological science have arisen because theological writings – which frequently deal with what people should do – have directed adherents of particular faiths to forgive or have valued virtues (like justice, mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, forbearance) without telling how the virtues are related to each other.
