A Book that Could Mess with Your Head - Not in a Good Way

I've been trying to prioritize my mental health lately, so I've been reading up on the subject. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the advice out there - 'forgive,' 'work through your emotions' - and it can feel like a lot to take in.

I was skeptical about reading a book on psychology, especially since there are so many charlatans and pseudo-experts out there. But then I stumbled upon 'Radical Forgiveness,' which seemed interesting, so I decided to give it a shot.

The book claims that true forgiveness is easily achievable and happens almost instantly. The methods presented are simple and accessible, and they can help you get rid of the emotional baggage from your past.

I think the idea behind this is pretty reasonable - it's hard to live in the present when you're carrying around past baggage. But the book takes it a step further and suggests that you should forgive those who have wronged you, because they're loving souls who are helping you gain unique experiences and become happier.

The author takes a fast train to religion, which isn't for everyone. I've read reviews on various websites about this book, and even religious people pointed out that there's too much emphasis on religiosity.

I think this kind of content can be harmful to people with unstable mental health. The author suggests that prayer will only work if you truly feel that you've already achieved what you wanted, that you've done what's necessary, and you've received your gift.

The author then takes it to the next level and suggests that you pray to a bearded Austrian artist because he's not to blame and he just wanted love, and that's how it turned out. In short, understand and forgive, because forgiveness is very important.

The author didn't stop at the Austrian artist and suggested forgiving those responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attack. Seriously?

Imagine a soul that came into the world in Adolf Hitler's body, with a mission to transform the Jewish people's consciousness of being victims, and the German people's sense of superiority. 2. Maybe Saddam Hussein came here to help Americans transform their guilt over slavery in America and the horrific mistreatment of their own people.

This is just ridiculous!

I read this and felt a deep sense of shame.

I'm convinced that this book can cause harm because the author is all over the place, jumping from religion to forgiving terrorists. In many ways, I'm sure you can find a motive and a consequence for any action, but terrorism and Nazism can't be justified.

The author also writes in the book that radical forgiveness can help cancer patients recover. Yeah, some people die (maybe they didn't forgive enough), but others don't, so that must work.

No proof, as always. Nowadays, instead of evidence-based medicine, I'd rather fill out a questionnaire on radical forgiveness, and I'll definitely get better if I forgive correctly. If not, that's not the author's problem.

Another thing that didn't sit well with me is that the author just repeats the same thing on every page. From chapter to chapter, he's just going over the same stuff, and what's the point? Nothing.I didn't find any positive aspects of this book.

The main idea of the book that you need to let go of your grievances to live fully resonated with me. But at the same time, I think this forced kindness and forgiveness can be excessive. Do victims of violence need to forgive their attackers? Do we need to forgive people who caused harm and suffering? I don't think so.

If you get slapped in the face, you don't need to turn the other cheek; you need to hit back. The real world works that way.

You can only take away the moral that this is an experience, and you need to live with it, not passing the blame onto yourself. Sometimes life is unfair, and you need to understand and accept that.

It's really surprising that this book wasn't banned... I didn't enjoy it.I wouldn't recommend it.