True Mercy Has Teeth: A Catholic Journey to Forgiveness and Healing

True Mercy Has Teeth is a bold, pastoral guide for Catholics seeking healing from betrayal, spiritual abuse, or silence within the Church. Drawing from Scripture, Catholic tradition, and his own personal experience, Fr. Todd Petersen speaks directly to the wounded-those who have been told to forgive without justice, to endure mistreatment for the sake of peace, or to remain silent in the face of evil.

With clarity and compassion, the book explores the reality of evil, the distortion of mercy, and the cost of false forgiveness. It offers theological insight into how Christ responds to wolves, thieves, and hirelings-those who harm under the cover of spiritual authority-and it reminds readers that real mercy does not enable harm. True mercy names evil, protects the vulnerable, and sets healthy boundaries.

Structured in four parts-understanding evil, reflecting on the Good Shepherd, walking through healing, and embracing the abundant life-True Mercy Has Teeth blends Catholic theology with pastoral sensitivity. Each chapter includes reflection questions and Scripture for prayer, helping readers integrate the message into their spiritual lives.

This book is for survivors, truth-tellers, and those who want to be faithful without becoming silent or complicit. It is also for anyone accompanying the wounded: pastors, spiritual directors, counselors, and friends.

Christ did not come to make us merely nice-He came to make us holy. Sometimes that holiness looks like mercy that confronts. Mercy that defends. Mercy that still forgives-but with teeth.

Fr. Todd J. Petersen is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota. The second of four children and the son of a divorced couple, he understands firsthand the complexities of family life and the need for healing.He holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and a Master of Arts in Theology (MAT) with a focus on Sacred Scripture from the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minnesota.Ordained in 1999, Fr. Petersen has served in multiple parishes and ministered for 12 years as Director of the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of New Ulm.As a fellow traveler on the journey to healing, he hopes this book will bring readers hope, freedom, and deeper union with Christ.