Called to Forgive by Anthony B. Thompson with Denise George

Anthony B. Thompson's wife was shot on June 17, 2015 at Wednesday evening Bible study in Charleston, South Carolina. How do you forgive someone who kills your spouse and is not even remorseful? Thompson tells his story in Called to Forgive.

Called to Forgive is a powerful memoir written by the surviving spouse of someone who was brutally murdered for her skin color. Thompson shares his thoughts and feelings in this book. He also shares the stories of other people who have been involved in shooting or other difficult situations. He tells his story and the stories of others with both compassion and heartfelt details. At the end of the book, he writes a letter to Dylann Roof sharing how and why he forgives. There is also a Bible study that goes along with this book and several appendixes.

While Called to Forgive is quite powerful in content, I especially found Appendix 3, The Ten Stages of Biblical Forgiveness, especially helpful in thinking about instances requiring forgiveness in my own life. I also like how well researched this book is with detailed notes in the back for reference. Thompson also gives us a lot to think about with regards to racial issues in our society, along with forgiveness. As I finished this book today, there were two shootings in different parts of the country that appeared senseless to me. Called to Forgive could be used by God mightily for those who survived or were related to others in shootings as well as those struggling with forgiving someone for other deeds. I certainly think it is a book we could all learn and grow from reading. I highly recommend it. It would also make a good study to use with a group.


I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.