Reconciliation: Restoring Justice

by John W. de Gruchy (editor)

Whether born in the Mideast, Africa, Asia, or brought home to the streets of America, violent hatreds often threaten to swamp the minimal cooperation needed to foster life and health. Does Christianity have anything besides warmed-over pieties to offer a world torn by estrangement, alienation, and violently opposed worldviews? In this signal contribution to public theology, John de Gruchy, an internationally esteemed political theologian, emphatically affirms the possibility and necessity of reconciliation. For Christians, he says, reconciliation is the center and perennial test of their faith. De Gruchy expands reconciliation’s relevance beyond personal piety and ecclesial harmony to encompass group relations, politics, and even the environment. In all cases, he argues, it involves the restoration of justice. Forged in the recent experience of South Africa, his work delineates the political and ecclesial significance of reconciliation and shows its importance for interreligious relations, addressing victimization, and international peace. Reconciliation will be welcomed by all whose faith leads them to help alleviate the world’s mounting agonies.

Genres: Theology

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2002

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the whole, it was well worthwhile to read this book. I took a lot of notes and got some helpful perspective on reconciliation. Parts of the book were a bit more on the philosophical side and I didn't get as much out of those sections, but the parts that were more practical made up for it.

[Ashley Wiersma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sobering and insightful read.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I was very passionate/interested in the details of the Apartheid and the work of the TRC then I am sure I would have enjoyed the book more. It is well written, engaging, and very informative -- just not my niche of reading. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a historical look at reconciliation and the role of the government, the church, and the individual. If not your specific passion, the book may be a bit weighty or dry for you -- as it was for me.