"Unburdened" is a Journey Toward Forgiveness

“Consider where you are right now when it comes to forgiveness. Is there a burden you are carrying?” Theological Studies Professor Carol Penner asks the reader these questions in the first reflection of her new book, Unburdened. Written as “A Lenten Journey Toward Forgiveness,” her book leads readers through six weeks of Lent, daily orienting readers “toward the resurrection and Easter, toward the possibility of a new life in Christ.”

Sharing stories from her own life and others, Carol also includes familiar and unfamiliar biblical stories about forgiveness. She doesn’t shy away from sensitive or painful topics, and instead emphasizes how forgiveness takes many forms within the church. Each daily reflection concludes with a prayer and questions for personal reflection. “My hope is that these devotions are a launching place, not an ending place,” she wrote.

According to the publisher, Herald Press, “Unburdened invites readers to hear God’s call to move away from brokenness and toward the healing and hope of the resurrection. When sin and harmful words or actions lead to broken relationships, we often have an end goal of forgiveness. But forgiveness can be elusive. Sometimes it can take our whole lives to forgive those who have harmed us. Sometimes we may never manage it. And when we are the ones responsible for rupture, we may long for a reconciliation that doesn’t come.”

With experience stemming from her career as a pastor, chaplain, and theologian, Carol helps readers navigate the forgiveness journey. Through prayers, scripture reflections, and stories about individuals and communities, readers are encouraged to take small steps toward the freedom found in forgiveness.

Carol teaches and writes in the area of practical theology and after many years as a pastor in various Mennonite congregations, she joined the faculty at Conrad Grebel University College where she is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies and Director of Theological Studies. Her research interests include feminist theology and Mennonite peace theology, and abuse issues. She has a popular blog of her worship resources at http://www.leadinginworship.com.