Reconciliation: The Ubuntu Theology of Desmond Tutu

by Michael Battle

A highly original analysis of Bishop Tutu's theology of ubuntu, an African concept that identity is formed by community, Battle draws on Tutu's many unpublished addresses and sermons to portray a man for whom the conventions of Anglicanism serve as roots and resources in the ongoing struggle against apartheid. Foreword by Desmond Tutu.

Genres: Religion, Africa, Nonfiction, Theology

255 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice summary of key elements of Tutu's thought. It is from 1995, so it is a little dated, as his work has dramatically broadened since then to include not just the apartheid context. There are great quotes and ideas throughout the book that I'm likely to use in sermons here and there. There is also a good comparison/contrast with James Cone in the final chapter that is informative. And and interesting chapter that analyzes Tutu's views on each element of the Anglican liturgy, not exactly something one discovers in most theology texts.

[Judy Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The power of forgiveness 'we are made for a delicate network of interdependence.' I heard him speak a few years ago and it was moving. He talked about South Africa, and went into detail about how long it takes to burn a human body, the mutilation of women's bodies, and most unbearable things. He said that truth heals and the only way to get to the truth was to forgive. This book also talks about his path but the notes section makes up a 3rd of the book.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the September book group segment on Sin & Redemption. I read this for a book group that didn't happen, and while it is a wonderful theological treatise on Desmond Tutu's life and work it was way over my head. I'm doing a presentation on it and its hard to distill the essence of how Ubuntu theology works rather than how Tutu came to the inner dynamics of his own theology. It's not going to be a great presentation.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very repetitive. The author (not Tutu) was stringing together many of Tutu's best quotes, along general themes. But clearly it is difficult to whittle down Tutu to the "gems" so many great things are presented again and again in slightly different ways. The conclusion was good in addressing objections to this theology that dances amongst African and European thought patterns and world views.

[Drick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Battle, was an aide to Desmond Tutu and does a good job of explaining both the African and Anglican roots of Tutu's thought on racial reconciliation. At times Battle gets too caught up in the internecine theological debates for my taste, but he does a good job of making Tutu's thought clear

[Christopher Broadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text is a fantastic analysis of a theology that is increasingly necessary for persons in contexts where diversity leads to division instead of community.

[Travis Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desmond Tutu lived a fascinating life, seeking to end apartheid, while also live out his faith in meaningful ways. As Battle helps to demonstrate, part of this is lived out because of his ubuntu theology. Ubuntu is an African understanding of how we are all human, and we need to seek to live together in unity. This African understanding of learning to live together, mixed with a Christian understanding of being made in the image of God, and receiving the ministry of reconciliation helped to fuel the decisions Tutu made when confronting state sponsored Apartheid. Because he was also in the church, Desmond Tutu did not receive some of the credit he was due in his role of helping to end Apartheid. However, what is helpful to understand from this work is that Tutu's work is not just based on experiencing the negative effects of apartheid personally, but was also based in his understanding of his responsibility as a follower of Jesus.

[Mitchell McInnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wandered into this book by way of a Jesuit friend's correspondence regarding Ubuntu philosophy. It's so intriguing that I followed its trail to Michael Battle's book. His explanation of Tutu's Ubuntu philosophy is as enlightening as Tutu's work is heartening. This book is a must for anyone interested in theology and/or social science. Ubuntu philosophy is at the heart of the astounding reconciliation in South Africa, and this book does a great job of explaining it to western readers.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent summation of Tutu’s theology. Highlight the complex mix of Anglicanism (of decidedly high church variety), liberation, black and African theology read through the centre piece of scripture that marked the Arch’s thinking. Battle has done a sterling job going through his published and unpublished works to give us a subtle and deep analysis.

[Matthew Sobolik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about Tutu's theology of Ubuntu. But unfortunately I found this book to be somewhat unfocused. I came away from it still not being able to define the concept of Ubuntu very well. This book gave me a lot to think about, but I wish it was more focused in on what Ubuntu is.