2009 Book Award winner! Our world is broken and cries out for reconciliation. But mere conflict resolution and peacemaking are not enough. What makes real reconciliation possible? How is it that some people are able to forgive the most horrendous of evils? And what role does God play in these stories? Does reconciliation make any sense apart from the biblical story of redemption? Secular models of peacemaking are insufficient. And the church has not always fulfilled its call to be agents of reconciliation in the world. In Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice, codirectors of the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School, cast a comprehensive vision for reconciliation that is biblical, transformative, holistic and global. They draw on the resources of the Christian story, including their own individual experiences in Uganda and Mississippi, to bring solid, theological reflection to bear on the work of reconciling individuals, groups and societies. They recover distinctively Christian practices that will help the church be both a sign and an agent of God's reconciling love in the fragmented world of the twenty-first century. This powerful, concise book lays the philosophical foundations for the Resources for Reconciliation, a new series from InterVarsity Press and the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School which explores what it means to pursue hope in areas of brokenness in theory and practice.
Reconciling All Things
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
This book inaugurates the Resources for Reconciliation series, a joint venture of the publisher and Duke Divinity School's Center for Reconciliation. The two authors, codirectors of the center, bring perspectives that pair perfectly: Catholic and evangelical Protestant, African and American, academic and practitioner, ordained and lay. Each also brings powerful life experience in confronting oppression and injustice: Katongole grew up under Ugandan dictator Idi Amin and lived near the Rwandan genocide. After growing up a missionary kid in South Korea, Rice worked for 17 years in an urban ministry in Jackson, Miss. Against a background of difference, the two argue for a vision of reconciliation that is neither trendy nor pragmatically diplomatic, neither cheaply inclusive nor heedless of the past. The reconciliation they explain and hold out hope for is distinctively Christian: a God-ordained transformation of the consequences of the fall into the new creation spoken about by the apostle Paul. Deeply theological, this short book needs slow reading by anyone interested in harnessing the power of the spirit for social change. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Reconciliation has become a popular buzz word. But I've learned there are no quick and easy fixes for a broken world. This book takes us deeper. It is fresh, biblical, practical, inspiring and full of hope. The authors themselves embody the vision our world needs--African and American, black and white, Uganda and Mississippi, Protestant and Catholic, joined in common ministry across divides. This book is for all those restless Christians I meet who long for an alternative." (John Perkins, founder, Christian Community Development Association, author, Let Justice Roll Down)
"Rather than suggesting formulaic or easy steps, Father Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice challenge their readers to embody a spirituality that reconciles. With the compelling texture of real-life stories, the credibility of their own journeys in reconciliation, and humble yet profound theological reflections, Emmanuel and Chris offer an accessible and fresh entry point for the crucial conversations on reconciliation." (Christopher L. Heuertz, International Executive Director, Word Made Flesh, and author of Simple Spirituality)
"This is a tough and a hopeful book. Tough, not because it is hard to read, but because it calls us to what the authors portray as the imperative but long, painful and not always rewarding journey of reconciliation. But hopeful because it is full of keen insights, fascinating stories and wise counsel. If we truly believe God is in Christ reconciling the world to himself, then this book is important reading. Read it and heed the call to join in God's great story of reconciliation. You will find yourself challenged beyond comfort, yet moved with great expectations." (Leighton Ford, president, Leighton Ford Ministries, author, Transforming Leadership and The Attentive Life)
"Reconciling All Things is a faithful book, glowing with the joy and hope that come from walking with God and God's people in the world. Inviting all to join in God's reconciling work across the myriads of ways we live in brokenness, Katongole and Rice do a new thing--they retrieve a deeply theological vision of God's gift of reconciliation and show what the inbreaking of this gift looks like in the real stories of people who have embarked on this journey. These stories of pain and hope make clear that the real work of reconciliation is not as much about programs, strategies or fixing all things as it is about the ordinary, mundane, daily work of living faithfully and patiently in our local, particular, face-to-face contexts. And if we do, if we enter humbly into God's work in the world, what can happen? New creation!" (M. Therese Lysaught, associate professor and assistant chair, Department of Theology, Marquette University)
"Chris Rice and Emmanuel Katongole know how much genuine reconciliation costs; therefore, they are perfect leaders to teach us not to take the task too lightly or to try to bring it about too superficially. This is a critically important book and an incisive beginning to what promises to be a world-changing series. Christians have a unique vision to live--the new creation of wholehearted community!" (Marva J. Dawn, teaching fellow in spiritual theology, Regent College, and author of Truly the Community, Unfettered Hope and My Soul Waits)
"My only concern is that not enough people will read this fine book! Given how much humans let things fall apart, this resource is a gem for individuals, groups and institutions. Is there a future for us if we do not learn exactly how to heal and reconcile?" (Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico)
"Rather than suggesting formulaic or easy steps, Father Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice challenge their readers to embody a spirituality that reconciles. With the compelling texture of real-life stories, the credibility of their own journeys in reconciliation, and humble yet profound theological reflections, Emmanuel and Chris offer an accessible and fresh entry point for the crucial conversations on reconciliation." (Christopher L. Heuertz, International Executive Director, Word Made Flesh, and author of Simple Spirituality)
"This is a tough and a hopeful book. Tough, not because it is hard to read, but because it calls us to what the authors portray as the imperative but long, painful and not always rewarding journey of reconciliation. But hopeful because it is full of keen insights, fascinating stories and wise counsel. If we truly believe God is in Christ reconciling the world to himself, then this book is important reading. Read it and heed the call to join in God's great story of reconciliation. You will find yourself challenged beyond comfort, yet moved with great expectations." (Leighton Ford, president, Leighton Ford Ministries, author, Transforming Leadership and The Attentive Life)
"Reconciling All Things is a faithful book, glowing with the joy and hope that come from walking with God and God's people in the world. Inviting all to join in God's reconciling work across the myriads of ways we live in brokenness, Katongole and Rice do a new thing--they retrieve a deeply theological vision of God's gift of reconciliation and show what the inbreaking of this gift looks like in the real stories of people who have embarked on this journey. These stories of pain and hope make clear that the real work of reconciliation is not as much about programs, strategies or fixing all things as it is about the ordinary, mundane, daily work of living faithfully and patiently in our local, particular, face-to-face contexts. And if we do, if we enter humbly into God's work in the world, what can happen? New creation!" (M. Therese Lysaught, associate professor and assistant chair, Department of Theology, Marquette University)
"Chris Rice and Emmanuel Katongole know how much genuine reconciliation costs; therefore, they are perfect leaders to teach us not to take the task too lightly or to try to bring it about too superficially. This is a critically important book and an incisive beginning to what promises to be a world-changing series. Christians have a unique vision to live--the new creation of wholehearted community!" (Marva J. Dawn, teaching fellow in spiritual theology, Regent College, and author of Truly the Community, Unfettered Hope and My Soul Waits)
"My only concern is that not enough people will read this fine book! Given how much humans let things fall apart, this resource is a gem for individuals, groups and institutions. Is there a future for us if we do not learn exactly how to heal and reconcile?" (Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Authors
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Share your thoughts with other customers
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Katongole and Rice begin by stating: "Reconciling All Things. It's a pretty preposterous title for a book. Especially one as short as this." My thoughts precisely, as I picked up the slim volume with a generic cover. Candidly, I was a little skeptical about the contents. Thankfully, I was wrong. Whether you are new to the idea of reconciliation or a veteran or somewhere in between you will find Reconciling All Things an outstanding read. It lays the foundation for a life given to reconciliation with concrete examples and practical guidelines.
After establishing that reconciliation is God's gift to a broken world, a gift we are to receive and live on our journey with God and others, there comes a wonderful chapter titled "The Discipline of Lament." It is simply excellent and profound. We are encouraged to "see" the world in all its brokenness and asked to join the reconciliation journey. In order to do this well Katongole and Rice state that we must unlearn speed (history matters and there are no quick fixes), distance ("Like real estate, lament is about location, location, location"), and innocence (we are complicit and frequently resist our own transformation). This chapter offers a framework and terminology I can use to help me better understand my life experiences in my lower-income neighborhood and why reconciliation is so costly. And it gives me a chapter I can have students read, helping them slow down as they desire to make a big impact on the world. Subsequent chapters highlight the role of the church. The book ends with a "Reader's Digest" summary of the book, identifying ten theses of reconciliation, each accompanied by an explanatory paragraph.
Pick up this book. Let its contents sink deep within you. You will be the better for having done so. Then offer to facilitate a discussion on the book at your church.
After establishing that reconciliation is God's gift to a broken world, a gift we are to receive and live on our journey with God and others, there comes a wonderful chapter titled "The Discipline of Lament." It is simply excellent and profound. We are encouraged to "see" the world in all its brokenness and asked to join the reconciliation journey. In order to do this well Katongole and Rice state that we must unlearn speed (history matters and there are no quick fixes), distance ("Like real estate, lament is about location, location, location"), and innocence (we are complicit and frequently resist our own transformation). This chapter offers a framework and terminology I can use to help me better understand my life experiences in my lower-income neighborhood and why reconciliation is so costly. And it gives me a chapter I can have students read, helping them slow down as they desire to make a big impact on the world. Subsequent chapters highlight the role of the church. The book ends with a "Reader's Digest" summary of the book, identifying ten theses of reconciliation, each accompanied by an explanatory paragraph.
Pick up this book. Let its contents sink deep within you. You will be the better for having done so. Then offer to facilitate a discussion on the book at your church.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By C lag
Format:Paperback
I tend to read a 1-2 books a month as am curious about many topics, not limited to religion. "Reconciling All Things" turned out to be a top five favorite over a period of 2 years and I still refer back to it. The timeless Christian principles in this book do not come from isolated academic, theological points of view, but from those who have actually rolled up their sleeves and toiled where it matters most - in hard relationships with those who have been marginalized, suffered hate and abuse from others, or who are simply not like "us". Though small - do not under estimate the enormous value of this hidden gem. In a day of Christian glitz, quest for power and recognition, and hard core sanctimonious attitudes, the arduous and painful journey of reconciliation is not a path that is widely chosen or easily understood by the basic tenants of religion or human nature. The principles of reconciliation will become more sought after and developed as global tensions mount and other efforts (including a majority of Christian efforts) fail to produce enduring and good fruit for relationships, groups, communities and nations.
Format:Paperback
Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice's book balances itself between being a self-help book and theological abstract. The result is a book which reflects on the issue of reconciliation with some depth, but also shows how those reflections are played out in the world.
While individual reconciliation is essential, this books focuses more on communities which have experienced some severe trauma. Once we accept God's gift of reconciliation we are called on to heal the brokenness of those around us. Our community. And our community extends throughout the world.
It is a work grounded in the Christian faith and serves as a call to Christians. Those not professing such a faith may find hope for what Christianity can offer in a world where the errors of professed Christians are all too apparent. What you will not find is a call to hug and forgive one another, join hands and raise our unified voices in an a capella version of "Amazing Grace," or simply accept the losses of life as God's Will.
Their most powerful and unusual call is to one of lament. Lament is a great word and one we so rarely hear or employ today. They quote the gospel of Matthew, in turn quoting from the prophet Jeremiah, "A voice is heard in Ramah/ Lamentation and bitter weeping/ Rachel is weeping for her children;/ She refuses to be comforted for her children,/ Because they are no more."
Rachel refuses to be comforted and her honest response builds the ground for reconciliation. As the author's say, "Lament calls us into a fundamental journey of transformation." They continue by saying this journey requires us "to unlearn three things: speed, distance and innocence." The unlearning of speed is what distinguishes much of this book from others. We like quick answers, ten steps to a solution, five things to do tomorrow. But they offer no easy answers, but they do offer answers. We must engage the pain of the past and be converted into a new way of thinking, one which reflects the radicalness of the Christian message. We must engage in this work with communities since only with others can we reflect God's Kingdom.
Katongole and Rice are cofounders of the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School. If you want to read more about their work you can visit their website.
[...]
While individual reconciliation is essential, this books focuses more on communities which have experienced some severe trauma. Once we accept God's gift of reconciliation we are called on to heal the brokenness of those around us. Our community. And our community extends throughout the world.
It is a work grounded in the Christian faith and serves as a call to Christians. Those not professing such a faith may find hope for what Christianity can offer in a world where the errors of professed Christians are all too apparent. What you will not find is a call to hug and forgive one another, join hands and raise our unified voices in an a capella version of "Amazing Grace," or simply accept the losses of life as God's Will.
Their most powerful and unusual call is to one of lament. Lament is a great word and one we so rarely hear or employ today. They quote the gospel of Matthew, in turn quoting from the prophet Jeremiah, "A voice is heard in Ramah/ Lamentation and bitter weeping/ Rachel is weeping for her children;/ She refuses to be comforted for her children,/ Because they are no more."
Rachel refuses to be comforted and her honest response builds the ground for reconciliation. As the author's say, "Lament calls us into a fundamental journey of transformation." They continue by saying this journey requires us "to unlearn three things: speed, distance and innocence." The unlearning of speed is what distinguishes much of this book from others. We like quick answers, ten steps to a solution, five things to do tomorrow. But they offer no easy answers, but they do offer answers. We must engage the pain of the past and be converted into a new way of thinking, one which reflects the radicalness of the Christian message. We must engage in this work with communities since only with others can we reflect God's Kingdom.
Katongole and Rice are cofounders of the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School. If you want to read more about their work you can visit their website.
[...]
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reading it as an assignment, now I want to share it with several...
This book is one of the books assigned for a course I am taking. Sometimes there is a disconnect between the knowledge that we as believers are supposed to be ministering to those... Read more
Published 15 months ago by studentmess
1.0 out of 5 stars
Wishy washy theology mixed with politics
This book was written by a Christian so it can only be interpreted from a Christian viewpoint. Non-believers may find some hooks to hang their social justice hat on but this book... Read more
Published 20 months ago by K. Meier
5.0 out of 5 stars
the challenge
This is one of those books that really make you think. It challenges us to faithfully living out the challenge put forth in Micah eight.
Published on October 23, 2009 by Carolyn Bartlow
