Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism and Christian Quietism by Curtiss Paul DeYoung


Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism and Christian Quietism
Title : Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism and Christian Quietism
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 160833211X
ISBN-10 : 9781608332113
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 195
Publication : First published July 2, 2012

This book calls for reconciliation in society that is radical, that goes to the roots. Too many initiatives for reconciliation, fail to remove the weeds of injustice at the roots, and thus stop short of completing the work required. Such political arrangements usually favor the rich and powerful, but deprive the powerless of justice and dignity. This is a form of political pietism, and when Christians refuse to name this situation for what it is, they are practicing Christian quietism. True reconciliation is radical. In this book the authors a South African prominent in the struggle against apartheid, and a white U.S. theologian who has served in pastoral roles in multi-racial congregations offer a vision of reconciliation and social justice grounded in the biblical story and their own experience of activism. After re-examining the meaning of reconciliation in the biblical context, the authors examine Jesus role as a radical reconciler and prophet of social justice. They go on to examine the role of reconciliation in religious communities and in the wider society.

Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism and Christian Quietism Reviews

  • Austin Mathews

    Written like a collection of essays strung together by the theme of radical, biblical reconciliation, Boesak and DeYoung crafted a subversive, unapologetic statement for God’s vision of justice and peace fought for through a costly equality. Secularized, political options and quiet religious options benefitting the status quo will not take us to just peace and an equal society. Rather, these two liberation theologians, one intimately acquainted with apartheid and the other with American racism, reclaim Jesus and Scripture in all their divisiveness and passion for justice. This reclaiming then moves the reader forward in a reimagining of society that takes seriously the demands of renouncing privilege, rejecting retribution, listening to prophetic voices, and relocating the battlefield from the negotiating table to the streets. An excellent read, even if some exegesis in initial sections seems far-fetched and without footnotes. Still, the vision these two reconcilers present is compelling in every way, and provoking for future prophets and agents of peace in a world willing to settle for cheap reconciliation and false justice. A must-read for students of peace and theology.

  • Trevor Limberg

    This collaboration was one which I thoroughly enjoyed as both authors bring such a diverse and full experience in the arena of reconciliation. One chapter which I particularly found absolutely captivating was that on the story of Zachaeus! Definitely a good one to have on the shelf!