Resistance and Theological Ethics - Softcover

The nineteen writers of this book are diverse in their jobs, ethnic identifications, genders and and interests. Yet all share a Christian commitment to resistance to social evils, dogmatisms, and ideological conformites. Readers, like the authors, will applaud some of the arguments, challenge others, and find all provocative of further thought. -- Roger L. Shinn, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics (1959-1985) at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York For those who are seeking strategic and theoretical guidance about the feasibility of non-violent resistance to such seemingly overwhelming social forces of our time as globalized economic inequality, militarism, and state arrogance, this book will be a welcomed resource. Rich in biblical, historical and theological insights, the essays are bold, highly thoughtful-and eminently useful. -- Samuel K. Roberts With roots deeply embedded in the Presbyterian and Reformed Tradition, Resistance and Theological Ethics exposes societal and world trends toward pride, greed, violence, and domination. The authors-some of the best ethicists working in the Presbyterian Church (USA) today-assert hope can be found in social witness that resists the insidious, corrosive features of these four sins, both in church and society. Informed by critical ethics, to be Christian in the 21st Century requires particular strategies of resistance. This book will have a long shelf life in both the seminary and Sunday School classrooms throughout the church. -- Reverend Peter A. Sulyok, Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Resistance and Theological Ethics collects the edited and updated essays that emerged from the meeting of the Theological Educators for Presbyterian Social Witness in Geneva, Switzerland and southern France in 1999. These writings from educators and ethicists combine to sound a clarion call for the church to stand in resistance to social, economic and political forces that threaten-while embracing those that foster-social justice, peace and human welfare. Each author emphasizes a specific call to resistance against powers grounded in particular forms of sin: religious pride, greed, violence and domination. Divided into three parts, the book details social forces to be resisted, presents historical and biblical examples of resistance, and concludes with theological analysis and advocacy for action in contemporary American society.