Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. What people are really thinking : a survey of four churches -- 2. Are forgiveness, reconciliation, and moral courage really possible? (The nature of human nature) -- 3. Forgiveness and reconciliation in the Bible : the relation of justice and mercy -- 4. A brief history of transgression and reconciliation among Christians -- 5. Forgiveness and reconciliation through moral development in families, churches, schools, and communities -- 6. a four-pronged approach to increasing forgiveness, reconciliation, and moral courage -- 7. Moral and spiritual education linked to sacramental/liturgical life -- 8. Dealing with moral failure : forgiveness and reconciliation in Christian worship -- App. A. Survey of attitudes concerning confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation -- App. B. Facilitator's guide, reconciliation workshop -- App. C. Psychological variables that may be involved when we forgive.

"Partly a survey of existing attitudes and partly a how-to manual for developing an active "public" church, this book highlights the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in both congregational life and society, and it traces out the intricacies of making them happen. After discussing common views of human nature and exploring the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation as found in Scripture and church tradition, Robert Browning and Roy Reed put forth a four-pronged approach integrating recent scientific studies of forgiveness with bold, theologically grounded ministry proposals."--BOOK JACKET.