More than ever, Walter Wink believes, the Christian tradition of nonviolence is needed as an alternative to the dominant and death-dealing "powers" of our consumerist culture and fractured world. In this small book Wink offers a precis of his whole thinking about this issue, including the relation of Jesus and his message to politics and nonviolence, the history of nonviolent efforts, and how nonviolence can win the day when others don't hesitate to resort to violence or terror to achieve their aims.
Jesus and Nonviolence (Facets)
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From the Publisher
The Christian tradition of nonviolence is needed as an alternative.
About the Author
Walter Wink is Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City. He is author of several award-winning books.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
We have all been fooled! That was the feeling I had when I put down Jesus and Nonviolence. Jesus is not the weak, nonpolitical, do not rock the boat-kind of guy that they talk about in church. The Bible researcher Walter Wink shows with clarity how Jesus both gave examples and himself acted very politically to change the society he was living in. He challenged the rules and the laws of his day's powers. He acted powerfully against the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and he questioned the unlawful occupation of his land. There were others that did this before him. The difference was that they used violence to protest against the occupation. Jesus acted with loving nonviolence. He challenged the injustices but always with respect for the other. Wink goes on to show us that the ideas and methods of nonviolence are very alive also today, actually more than any time before. Only in 1989-90 there were fourteen nations that underwent nonviolent revolutions, all of them successful except China. In this thin book Wink has given me a whole new view of Christianity, has strengthened my belief in nonviolence and has given me hope for a nonviolent future. Quite an accomplishment for a 117-pages book!
41 of 44 people found the following review helpful
By C.J.A.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I carry a copy of this little book with me wherever I go, and I've reread it many times with great enjoyment. This is an essential introduction to the nonviolent way of Jesus for all Christians, including great commentary on relevant biblical passages and invaluable guidance for respecting the dignity of one's "opponents." It makes a super gift.
The only lasting way to eliminate an enemy is to make him your friend.
The only lasting way to eliminate an enemy is to make him your friend.
38 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you are considering or committed to the way of nonviolence and searching for firm footing in the actual practice of peace and reconciliation, read this book. As always, Wink is challenging, creative, convincing, and compelling. The many stories he tells to illustrate his points are quite interesting and practical.
This is vintage Wink at his best. I will refer to this little book often. It would be a steal at twice the price.
This is vintage Wink at his best. I will refer to this little book often. It would be a steal at twice the price.
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Walter Wink here gives a fine overview and simplification of his thinking on the topic of nonviolence as presented in his various scholarly studies of the New Testament topics of the principalities and powers and the Son of Man. It gives new life to turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and love of enemies. It is especially appropriate for classes and small groups of laypeople who have only an elementary background in biblical studies.
For heartier fare on this issue that is at the heart of Christian faith and life one may turn to Wink's trilogy on The Powers. For comparable or related works I highly recommend John Howard Yoder, The Politics of Jesus and William T. Cavanaugh, Torture and the Eucharist. One lack in this little monograph is that Wink doesn't mention the work of René Girard on desire and violence, although he has taken note of it in The Powers.
For heartier fare on this issue that is at the heart of Christian faith and life one may turn to Wink's trilogy on The Powers. For comparable or related works I highly recommend John Howard Yoder, The Politics of Jesus and William T. Cavanaugh, Torture and the Eucharist. One lack in this little monograph is that Wink doesn't mention the work of René Girard on desire and violence, although he has taken note of it in The Powers.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a small book that you can carry with you as a reminder in your hectic life.This introduction to a non-violent Jesus will empower you to make changes in your life.It has many biblical passages that teach you to respect the dignity of people who disagree with your beliefs. The only lasting way to eliminate an enemy is to make him your friend.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By R. Ross
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was first introduced to me through a Wilmington College (Ohio) class on Quakerism and the Peace Testimony. It affirmed my beliefs that we have no right to kill other people, no matter what. Jesus was a radical, and understanding the context of his teachings help to make them clearer to our culture today. As a Christian (and now following the Quaker testimonies), I don't understand how someone who believes Jesus is Christ can kill another human being, when he states that we are to "love (respect) our enemies." This little book shows how nonviolent revolutions solve political problems in the long run, much more often than violent ones do, yet people still believe that nonviolence in passive and cowardly. This is a book that every Christian should read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Doug
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Wink's thoughtful and contextual interpretation of Jesus's famous "turn the other cheek" speech is informative and provides a guide for resolving conflict that is applicable on any scale.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Wink goes into the details of how (and sometimes why) certain passages in the Bible were mistranslated, and then goes into more detail about the most likely meaning of important passages in which Jesus describes the principles of non-violence. Well written, succinct, and carries important messages.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent resource material
Wink's book is thought provoking and challenging. A must for any theology library, worth studying and taking very, very seriously.
Published 3 months ago by Sr. Sandra Sears CSBC
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jesus and Nonviolence
An excellent clear and inspiring work. Presenting an interpretation of the Gospel passages that are frequently wrontly understood. A must read for those working for Social Justice.
Published 12 months ago by Samir Mourad MD
5.0 out of 5 stars
AMAZING AWESOME BOOK
This book is AMAZING I read it while I was attending seminary, and then after I graduated, I bought it because of its impact on my life. Walter Wink is a polished writer. Read more
Published on April 13, 2010 by Daniel Bellinger
4.0 out of 5 stars
third way--a viable option
This book was used in an Episcopal adult Sunday school Class. Discussed, and rediscussed, argued, pried apart from many more than 3 sides. Read more
Published on May 20, 2007 by Carl Ledenham
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of The Best of Walter Wink
This short book is a very good introduction to Analytic/Historic Christianity, that movement which considers the life of first-century, Roman-dominated faithfuls, their language... Read more
Published on August 21, 2006 by John G. Davenport
2.0 out of 5 stars
Something to think about
This book gives good examples of how nonviolence has worked in the past to peacefully resolve issues involving government/people relations, etc. Read more
Published on December 26, 2005 by Evan Herberth
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