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The Rainbow People of God

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The Rainbow People of God is a must-have anthology of Desmond Tutu's most motivating and inspiring letters, sermons and addresses between 1974 and 1994. John Allen (editor) includes some of Tutu's most memorable public addresses and skillfully weaves historical background information into the public addresses for the reader's benefit. This proves extremely helpful in painting an overall picture of the antiapartheid movement in South Africa. Anyone who has listened to Tutu speak understands that he often employs humor to illustrate the darkness and oppression caused by apartheid. Readers expecting such humor will enjoy complete satisfaction in this collection of Tutu's speeches. Through Tutu's voice, we learn how he successfully merged African and Christian philosophy to become one of the key players in defeating apartheid.

Any book by Desmond Tutu is inspirational, and he always has an appealingly humorous style. Read this and "An African Prayer Book." And if you are intriqued by this great man, read "A TELLING TIME" by Glynnis Hayward, too. There is a character in this moving South African novel, Rev Mkize, who is a Zulu priest. I feel he is inspired by the famous Archbishop, whom he quotes respectfully.

Desmond Tutu is definately a man of God. His love, forgiveness and courage is set firmly in his belief of the Gospel. Through this book he clearly demonstrates the power that comes from a belief. The journals will inspire anybody.

Desmond Tutu, as revealed in his sermons, speeches, and letters, demonstrated the qualities worthy of a hero, yet he remained a very humble man. He was more than a theologian, statesman,and patriot. He drew no "color" lines, but rather a circle that included what he called, the "rainbow people of God."

Exemplifying the selfless compassion of the Savior he adored, his efforts were tireless, as well as self-endangering. At one time, the danger came from his own people, but he, by God's help, defused the hostile encounter. Many times he went into the center of angry mobs to plead for no violence, and proved that forgiveness and love are stronger than hate and violence.

Undaunted by serious setbacks, Tutu, peservered against the horrifying abuse of apartheid. His firm belief that all races were created in God's image, and God intended everyone to live together in peace, motivated his indefatigable efforts. The Holy Bible remained his textbook and constant point of reference. He believed that the principle of love alone, as demonstrated in the life of the Savior, could conquer hate and abuse. Eventually, he proved that no one is free until all are free.