When the Powers Fall: Reconciliation in the Healing of Nations

Repressive authoritarian regimes are falling and fragile new democracies are emerging around the globe. How are long-standing conflicts and deep divisions to be healed and enemies reconciled without breeding further injustices?To answer this question Walter Wink here applies his compelling analysis of the Powers as they appear in the New Testament to the global scene. Surveying the wrenching religious and ethical dilemmas involved in transitions from despotism to democracy Wink neatly summarizes key concepts from his Fortress Press trilogy on the Powers including sections on Jesus against Domination and Nonviolence. He then shows how central concepts in the teaching of Jesus can clarify true and false ideas of forgiveness and reconciliation and apology - without sacrificing justice. The personal political and geopolitical pertinence of Winks ideas shines in his discussion of specific situations in Africa and Latin America.And what of the churches? Jesus proclamation of Gods domination - free order Wink claims providesa framework for dealing with the role of the churches in helping nations move from autocracy to democracy. Far more is at stake than merely an orderly transition to a more representative form of governance: suchmoments in history open up to heavenly potentials. ... In such times it is the vision of Godsdomination-free order that prevents us from acquiescing to unworthy visions or accepting political compromises as anything more than temporary pauses on the path to fuller justice.Winks new work demonstrates the power promise and practicality of Jesus ethic of nonviolence for today.