A call for reconciliation by two theologians and activists from on two continents.

"Offer[s] a vision of reconciliation and social justice that is grounded in biblical truth . . . . [The authors] exame Jesus' role as a radical reconciler and prophet of social justice, then go on to survey the role of reconciliation in religious communities and the wider society."--Bethel Magazine

"Allan Aubrey Boesak, a leading figure in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and Curtiss Paul DeYoung, a white U.S. theologian, join forces in Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism and Christian Quietism to challenge Christians to practice true reconciliation and rise up against systemic injustice, even at the cost of losing one’s own power and privilege. A great book for those interested in race relations (which should be all Christians)."--Sojourners

Everyone supports "reconciliation." But too often calls for reconciliation fall short of uprooting systems of injustice, and thus fail to accomplish the work required to truly reconcile. Such initiatives usually favor the rich and powerful while depriving the powerless of justice and dignity. The result, according to Boesak and DeYoung, is "political pietism." And when Christians refuse to name this situation for what it is, they are practicing "Christian quietism."

True reconciliation, these authors argue, is truly radical. Together they offer a vision of reconciliation and social justice grounded in the biblical story and their own experience of social engagement. After examining the meaning of reconciliation in the biblical context, they 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, including the challenging model of Bishop Desmond Tutu and his contributions to the Truth and Reconciliation commission in South Africa.

Allan Aubrey Boesak was a leading figure in the church struggle against apartheid in South Africa. He is currently Extraordinary Professor of Public Theology at the Theological Faculty of the University of Stellenbosch.

Curtis Paul DeYoung is professor of Reconciliation Studies at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. His many books include Living Faith: How Faith Inspires Social Justice, and (co-editor) The People's Bible.

Click here for an Interview with the Authors from Seattle Pacific University.