Brian Zahnd - Unconditional?: The call of Jesus to radical forgiveness

Brian Zahnd is blunt, bold, and biblical: we simply cannot embrace violence and retaliation in the name of Jesus. As he juxtaposes the centrality of the cross of Jesus (Father, forgive them) and the teaching of Jesus (love your enemies), he exposes the blasphemous absurdity of hating our enemies in Jesuss name. An authentic prophetic voice in the lineage of Elijah and Amos.

Eugene H. Peterson

Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology

Regent College, Vancouver, BC

What a book! This book, Unconditional? , by Brian Zahnd, is the best I have ever read on the subject of forgiveness. It is a riveting and challenging book. But above all, it calls Christians to a deeper understanding of how liberating true forgiveness can be and how the church could be transformed by the principles set forth in this excellent book, which could become a classic.

Vinson Synan

Professor of Church History and Dean Emeritus

Regent University

What pastor and author Brian Zahnd has to say to the evangelical church in Unconditional? is nothing short of prophetic. His message of returning to the practice of radical forgiveness provides new perspectives and guidance to Christians as we attempt to move forward in a culture where The Bible says so has become an ineffective response to the questions and issues of todays unchurched. Zahnd brings us back to the cross of the One we follow, reminding us that forgiving love will be the one effective platform for the church as we seek to engage others in the gospel.

Lindy Lowry

Editor, Outreach Magazine

Relentlessly biblical, theologically pure, pastorally tested. Brian challenges the church to become Christian. He proclaims the centrality of forgiving love in Christs invitation such that we might just hesitate before entering that narrow gate. This message might actually save us.

Brad Jersak

Author of Can You Hear Me?

Hannah Arendt (probably one of the finest political philosophers of the twentieth century) suggested, in her classic tome The Human Condition , that the notion of forgiveness was one of the most significant contributions Christianity has made to the world. Arendt, as a Jew, knew of what she spoke. Brian Zahnds Unconditional? amply illustrates why forgiveness is the heartbeat and core of an authentic and costly grace-filled life. Do meditatively read and inwardly digest this gem and jewel of a classic in the making. Your faith journey will be transformed into pure gold.

Ron Dart

Department of Political Science/Philosophy/

Religious Studies

University of the Fraser Valley

Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

In Unconditional? Brian Zahnd calls us to the table of the Lord, where forgiveness is the main course! Theres a table calling me home, to look in the eyes of a friend and forget they were my enemy, and see the way that I can be.

Jason Upton

Recording Artist

Pastor Brian Zahnd is a fellow dreamer with a daring vision for the church today. He is a passionate voice offering practical and biblical revelation on the art of forgiveness and the challenge of following Christs example in our everyday lives. The call to radical forgiveness is one we must all answer, just as Jesus did through his unselfish, unconditional, and radical death on the cross.

Brian Houston

Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church

Utterly compelling reading.

R. T. Kendall

Best-Selling Author of Total Forgiveness

As a pastor, I have read many excellent books on forgiveness. Brian Zahnds is among the finest Ive ever read. This book is filled with inspiring stories of forgiveness and keen theological and biblical insights. If I had to recommend just one book on forgiveness, this would be it.

Rev. Adam Hamilton

Senior Pastor, Church of the Resurrection

Author of When Christians Get It Wrong

In a world filled with animosity and hostility, Brian Zahnd challenges readers to rediscover the heart of the Christian gospela revolution of forgiving love. Unconditional? is a welcomed change to the worn-out rhetoric and dead-end discussions concerning how we can overcome conflict and hurt. Zahnds thoughtful vision of forgiveness is biblical, beautiful, brilliant, and bold. He gives us the way forward by framing the need for interpersonal forgiveness with historical and contemporary stories of atrocity, brutality, war, and suffering. Along the way he interacts with thinkers, writers, poets, statesmen, philosophers, and theologians in producing a masterful appeal for followers of Christ to end the cycle of revenge. Unconditional? is not a safe book. It is a dangerous call to take seriously the biblical command to forgive one another.

Dr. Derek Vreeland

Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Americus, Georgia

Author of Shape Shifters: How God Changes The Human Heart

I love this book! This is not a glib treatment of forgiveness. It begins with the Holocaust and proceeds from there. This is about deep, costly forgiveness. It deals with the heart of the Christian faith: the grand announcement of good news, the best news of all, the unconditional forgiveness of sin by Christs sacrificial life, death, and all-encompassing, victorious resurrection.

Joe Beach

Amazing Grace Church, Denver, CO

Brian Zahnd has issued a much-needed call to every one of us to better understand and live out the implications of the crossforgiveness. Written from the heart of a pastor and the keen mind of a reformer, this book will both challenge and inspire you.

Lee Cummings

Pastor, Radiant Church, Richland, MI

I love this book. Radical forgiveness is the most importantand most difficultethical imperative there is. Ultimately its what we mean when we talk about unconditional love, if that love is going to be put to the test. Most people want to offer love that is weightless. This book couldnt be more important. It is also very gracefully written. Zahnds voicea very compelling voiceis 100 percent there, nothing fake, nothing contrived. People will love the book if they read it. I very much hope they do.

Clancy Martin

Professor of Philosophy

University of MissouriKansas City

Unconditional? should be required reading for all to understand the concept of unconditional love and forgiveness. As the niece of a Holocaust survivor, I have often asked myself the very question posed by this bookWhat would I have done? Zahnd challenges us, more so as Christians, to take forgiveness to an unprecedented level and to truly forgive as Jesus did. Eye opening, thought provoking; a must-read!

Dr. Sherill Piscopo

Evangel Association of Churches & Ministries

Roseville, MI

Brian Zahnd has done it again! His first book was incredible, but Unconditional? marks him as a writer always worth reading. In a world filled with surface answers, Brian gives real unvarnished truth. We all struggle to integrate the teachings of Jesus into our everyday lives. Pastor Zahnd confronts, challenges, and motivates us all to the radical claims of Jesus. One of the best books on forgiveness that I have ever read. Thank you!

Michael S. Stewart

President, Emmanuel College,

Franklin Springs, G a

Unconditional? would have to be one of the most profound books that I have read for a few years. With most books you read them. I think that this book reads you, engages with your mind, challenges your spirit, and at times lays bare your soul and emotionswhile offering the remedy in Christ. I trust that it finds itself into the hands of many, not for the sales it can make, but for the lives it can change.

Russell Dunn

General Manager, Manna Christian Stores

Auckland, New Zealand