True Mercy Has Teeth

Dear friends in Christ,

After much prayer, reflection, and work, I’m honored to share with you of my soon to be released new book: True Mercy Has Teeth: A Catholic Journey to Forgiveness and Healing.

This book was born out of years of my own healing and through walking with people through deep wounds, betrayal, abuse, and confusion. It’s a response to the well-meaning but often cheap version of mercy that says “just forgive and forget,” while ignoring truth, justice, and the dignity of the human person.

Why “True Mercy Has Teeth”?

Because real mercy isn’t soft or sentimental.
True mercy is strong enough to name evil, to say no more, and to call us to healing that costs something.

Mercy, when rooted in Christ, does not enable sin or overlook injustice. It calls us to wholeness. It honors truth. It embraces the cross. And yes—sometimes mercy has teeth.

What You’ll Find Inside

• A Catholic theology of mercy that includes boundaries, truth, and justice

• Personal stories and pastoral insight into forgiveness after betrayal

• Guidance for survivors of abuse and deep relational wounds

• Reflections on how Christ models mercy that confronts and restores

• A call to discernment, healing, and authentic reconciliation

Who This Book Is For

• Those who have been deeply hurt and told to "just move on"

• Catholics seeking clarity on what real mercy looks like

• Counselors, spiritual directors, clergy, and ministry leaders

• Anyone trying to forgive without losing themselves

Available soon

The book will soon available in print through Lulu and Amazon including a kindle version.
You can learn more or join the mailing list here.

If you’ve ever struggled to forgive without losing your voice—or longed for justice without losing your soul—I pray this book brings you hope, truth, and healing in Christ.

In the Heart of the Good Shepherd,
Fr. Todd J. Petersen