To answer this question, Walter Wink here applies his compelling analysis of "the Powers," as they appear in the New Testament, to the global scene. Surveying the wrenching religious and ethical dilemmas involved in transitions from despotism to democracy, Wink neatly summarizes key concepts from his Fortress Press trilogy on the Powers, including sections on "Jesus against Domination" and "Nonviolence." He then shows how central concepts in the teaching of Jesus can clarify true and false ideas of forgiveness and reconciliation and apology--without sacrificing justice. The personal, political, and geopolitical pertinence of Wink's ideas shines in his discussion of specific situations in Africa and Latin America.
And what of the churches?
"Jesus" proclamation of God's domination-
free order," Wink claims, "provides
a framework for dealing with the role of the
churches in helping nations move from
autocracy to democracy. Far more is at
stake than merely an orderly transition to a
more representative form of governance: such
moments in history open up to heavenly
potentials. . . . In such times, it is the
vision of God's
domination-free order that prevents us from
acquiescing to unworthy visions, or
accepting political
compromises as anything more than temporary
pauses on the path to fuller
justice."
Wink's new work
demonstrates the power, promise, and
practicality of Jesus' ethic of nonviolence
for today.
Contents
1. Against
Domination
The Reign of God
Jesus against Domination
Economic Equality
Nonviolence
2. Reconciliation
What Is Reconciliation?
True and False Forgiveness
Reconciliation as Process
3. Issues of Reconciliation
Truth and Impunity
The Place of Apology
4. Toward Democracy
About the Author: Walter Wink is Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City.