Teasi Cannon Examines Biblical Forgiveness in New Book

In her upcoming book, Counterfeit Forgiveness, author and podcaster Teasi Cannon argues that contemporary evangelical teaching has drifted from a biblical understanding of forgiveness. Cannon contends that a modern, therapeutic approach has popularized the idea of unilateral, unconditional forgiveness, even when an offender remains unrepentant. She suggests this shift prioritizes psychological well-being over the scriptural framework of reconciliation.

Drawing on passages such as Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13, Cannon teaches that believers should model their forgiveness after God’s pattern. She emphasizes that while God offers forgiveness freely, it is received through repentance and faith, which she describes as the necessary conditions for restoring a relationship ruptured by sin. Cannon warns that promoting a distorted view of forgiveness can inadvertently protect abusers and cause further harm to victims within the church. The book, which explores these theological concerns, is scheduled for release on August 28.