“Forgiveness as a method of religious coping.”

Source: (1998) In Dimensions of forgiveness: Psychological research & theological forgiveness, ed. Everett L. Worthington, Jr., 59-78. With a preface and an introduction by Everett L. Worthington, Jr. Philadelphia: Templeton Foundation Press.

In this chapter, Pargament and Rye pose the thesis that forgiveness is a method of religious coping for many people; specifically, forgiveness is a method of coping, and forgiveness is a religious pursuit. To examine forgiveness as a method of coping, the authors define coping, distinguish conservational and transformational methods of coping, and describe transformational aspects of forgiveness. To examine forgiveness as a religious pursuit, the authors define religion, identify religious characteristics of forgiveness, and detail certain implications of forgiving as a method of religious coping. They conclude by urging the social sciences – psychology in particular – to increase basic research in the nature and effects of forgiving.