“Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination”
by Walter Wink, 1992, Fortress Press
I can’t recommend this book highly enough for anyone interested in the theology and practice of peacemaking. Wink powerfully and convincingly contrasts the ‘domination system’ which keeps the world ensnared in violence and injustice with God’s new charter of reality which breaks in through Jesus. He shows how God’s kingdom is one without domination and violence and how Jesus set an example for us disciples to follow in terms of engaging the ‘powers that be’ non-violently both through action and prayer. I was particularly struck by his understanding of Matthew 5 and the book of Revelation and his writing gave these and many other bible passages fresh relevance. It is both thought provoking and inspiring on lots of different levels.
For an easier read, there’s also a much shorter book by Wink called “The Powers That Be: Theology for a New Millennium” which is basically a summary of “Engaging the Powers” but without some of the more in depth studies and footnotes.
Sounds great but i've always avoided Walter Winks bigger books as i think they are a bit above my head! I recently read his great introduction to nonviolence though: Jesus and nonviolence, which was perfect for me! I might check out The Powers That Be though, sounds more suitable!
T.
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The Powers That Be by Walter Wink reclaims the divine realm as central to human existence by offering new ways of understanding our world in theological terms.
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