Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way (Facets) [Paperback]

Walter Wink (Author)

Book Description

Series: Facets | Publication Date: April 1, 2003

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: FORTRESS PRESS (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800636090
• ISBN-13: 978-0800636098
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Ethics
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Theology > Pastoral Theology
  • #70 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Ethics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A radical Jesus, February 9, 2004

By 

Martin Smedjeback (Stockholm, Sweden) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way (Facets) (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!

35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars nonviolent action is not passivism!, September 1, 2004

By 

C.J.A. (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way (Facets) (Paperback)

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.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wink Does It Again, June 11, 2003

By 

Dr. Thomas H. Martin (Arkansas -- United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way (Facets) (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.