Abstract:
Forgiveness is an enigma for many adult churchgoers who struggle with their parental relationships. On one side, they believe that forgiveness is a central Christian tenet that can help people process their parental wounds. On another side, they do not know how to forgive effectively or where to go to learn about the meanings, practices, and implications of forgiveness. Given the prevalence and ramifications of parental wounds, as well as the fact that there are no forgiveness courses in the New Zealand church that address these concerns, the aim of this study was to develop an effective church-based forgiveness course that could help adults to explore their parental relationships. The Forgiveness matters course was designed around Lartey’s (1997) pastoral cycle. Five courses were mn. The participants were encouraged to heed their parents’ offences; explore the influences that might have shaped their parental experiences; acknowledge the concepts of relational sin, transpersonal-, self-, intrapersonal-, and interpersonal- forgiveness; review their forgiveness-related problems; and target future forgiveness goals. Course effectiveness was measured in two ways. First, statistical analyses determined the significance of the relationship between people’s pre- and postcourse scores on three psychometric scales. They included the Enright Forgiveness Inventory (2000), DeShea and Wahkinney’s (in press) Self-forgiveness scale, and A God-scale, which evaluated whether forgiving one’s parents affected one’s relationship with God. Second, narrative inquiry was employed to interpret the participants’ narratives. The study’s findings show that the course was highly effective and that the process of forgiveness can be taught and learned. Statistical significance was reached on all of the scales. Many insightful and miraculous stories emerged from the narratives. The data revealed that over 90% of the participants enhanced their comprehension of forgiveness and improved their relationships with their parents, themselves, and/or God. Key components of developing and running effective forgiveness courses were identified. Given the large need for such courses in the church, and the course’s great success, it is suggested that the course be promoted throughout the New Zealand church, as it has the potential to transform individuals’ lives, families, the church, and society.
