This book calls for reconciliation in society that is radical; that goes to the roots. Too many initiatives for reconciliation; fail to remove the weeds of injustice at the roots; and thus stop short of completing the work required. Such political arrangements usually favor the rich and powerful; but deprive the powerless of justice and dignity. This is a form of political pietism; and when Christians refuse to name this situation for what it is; they are practicing Christian quietism. True reconciliation is radical. In this book the authors a South African prominent in the struggle against apartheid; and a white U.S. theologian who has served in pastoral roles in multi-racial congregations offer a vision of reconciliation and social justice grounded in the biblical story and their own experience of activism. After re-examining the meaning of reconciliation in the biblical context; the authors 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.
#2709338 in Books 1998-02-01 1998-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x 1.00 x 6.27l; 1.47 #File Name: 1570031991267 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One African American regiment from Illinois in the Civil WarBy John A. BrossExcellent analysis of one black US regiment from Illinois5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A welcome addition to its field of studyBy FernandoWalt Whitman once stated that the interior history of the Civil War soldier would never be told. Though Whitman's assessment is generally true; Edward A. Miller offers us an interpretive rapprochement through a new history of the all-black 29th U.S. Colored Infantry; a unit formed in Illinois. Yet; this work is not simply a regimental history; but a deeper study in the lives of black recruits in the Civil War era; and a journey into the hinterlands of an American racial pathos. Throughout this study; Miller explores in detail the biographies of individual soldiers; revealing their often convoluted histories which seem to be cut from the same mold. Yet; Miller has uncovered interesting and valuable demographic and socio-economic data. In addition; Miller explores the culture of the 29th's white officers; men who were unduly pre-judged as incompetent by their fellow Union soldiers. The 29th's only substantial combat experience came at the ill-fated Battle of the Crater; where the employment of black regiments was unfairly blamed for battlefield failures. As such; many in the North wanted to place the responsibility for the disaster upon supposedly inferior black troops. However; Miller's historiography yields a saner assessment through a very detailed account of the battle. When the war ended; instead of disbanding; the 29th was brought up to full strength and marched to Texas to meet a perceived threat from French encroachment into Mexico. There life was "difficult; food shortages common; and medical care inadequate." (164); and many died of privation. Broadening the reader's perspectives; Miller highlights the sixty percent of the 29th's officers and men who filed for pensions from their service. Many claims for compensation based upon service-related disabilities were exaggerated or downright fraudulent. No doubt many of these were motivated by extreme poverty; for a high percentage of the black veterans could find work only as day laborers. Regardless; though they completed their military service with "devotion and competence" (206); Miller believes that most black veterans gained little benefit from their wartime service. However; when allowed to participate in combat; they performed with proficiency on a par with their white comrades. But national incredulity would persist with attitudes exemplified by "a mix of pity; paternalism; condescension; and racial superiority." (103) All told; Miller's is a welcomed addition to the growing scholarly literature on the individual experiences of the common soldier.
