The essence of Christianity

Forgiveness in and of itself is not the essence of Christianity, though many believe it to be so. Forgiveness must be understood in its relationsliip to justice if the Christian gospel is to be allowed its full scope. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa has said, “Forgiveness is not cheap, is not facile. It is costly. Reconciliation is not an easy option. It cost God the death of his Son.”—Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion, 115 (emphasis original)