After the Locusts: Letters from a Landscape of Faith

by Denise M. Ackermann, Desmond Tutu (Foreword)

This unique collection of six "letters" written by Denise Ackermann to family and friends both living and dead is one woman's account of her life, faith, and work as an Anglican theologian during South Africa's apartheid years and afterwards. In the letters, which are intensely personal memoirs as well as reviews of the theological and political issues that have marked her career as a feminist Christian in a deeply wounded society, Ackermann discusses such issues as identity and difference, her struggles with sexism and racism, the power of naming, the evils of the apartheid years, the scourge of AIDS, and the function of faith in the midst of misery and conflict. "After the Locusts" will interest a great range of readers; few will fail to find insights of profound relevance to the task of living Christianly in today's trying world.

Genres: Theology

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Rose Schrott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t stop myself from texting pictures of full chapters to loved ones in my life, particularly women. Ackermann is a feminist theologian from South Africa who focuses on public theology (taking the god talk out of the academy and connecting it to real people). This book was written around 2000 and is a series of letters she has addressed to her loved ones. These letters deal with the fall out of apartheid (ackermann is a white woman and wrestles with her particular lament and complicity in an evil system), pandemic (AIDS but much of her writing applies to COVID too), aging, patriarchy in the church, theodicy (how do we know god is good if there is such sadness in the world?), embodiment, and so much more. I’m so glad I read this book and will be keeping it for years to come.

[Sarita KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"After the Locusts" is one of most important books for my self-identity as a feminist Christian. I found this book at a tender point in my life and it has helped me face the realities of the church's history, patriarchy, colonialism, white-privilege, violence and poverty; all while holding onto the complexities of faith. A beautiful combination of memoir and practical theology, Denise Ackermann sketches her 'landscape of faith' through relationship with the important people in her life. Her theology is clearly integrated into every aspect of her life, revealing an honest, congruent faith which never shies away from the most difficult issues.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unpretentious, profound, and honest. It was a little dense sometimes and can be hard to fully digest, but overall, a really fantastic read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

something I imagine myself coming back to a couple years from now when in need of a word of wisdom and theological reminder... and of course, to read not in a "for school" context

[Natalie Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some profound thoughts presented in a highly understandable way.