John W. De Gruchy

Bonhoeffer, Christ and Culture

History & Biography

“Bonhoeffer, Christ and Culture has its origin within the North American evangelical scholarly community, though not all its authors would identify themselves as such. What unites them is their deep appreciation for Bonhoeffer's life, witness and theology, the integrity of their scholarship, and their recognition of Bonhoeffer's continuing significance for the church in the twenty-first century. Having spent the past fifty years of my life engaged in dialogue with Bonhoeffer's legacy, I am delighted to be introduced to new perspectives and interpretations, and to learn again from those whose contribution to Bonhoeffer studies is now well established. I commend it to all who want to know Bonhoeffer better.”

Circles of Dignity

Theology

“Cochrane brings to this task all the skills he has accumulated as an academic theologian and a political activist over many years. What is most remarkable about Circles of Dignity is Cochrane's ability to bring together in creative interaction the key loci of Christian tradition, contemporary hermeneutical debates, and the 'incipient theology' of his refernce community as it reads the bible in relation to eking out an existence on the peripheries of society. Lively and challenging.”

Circling the Table

Preaching & Worship

“In Circling the Table, William Everett offers us an enriching banquet prepared over years of creative liturgical praxis, theological reflection, and a concern for social justice. His inviting us to join him in life-changing conversations around the Table reminds me of an ancient eucharistic practice that builds Spirit-filled community while dancing round the altar.”

Creation and Fall

Theology

“Delivered with passion and kerygmatic style rather than in the language of academic discourse, Creation and Fall retains the sense of immediacy, relevance, and power that first spoke to Bonhoffer's students.”

Experiencing God in Everything and Nothingness

“The growth in publications classified as ‘spiritual’ has, in recent years, been exponential. Much can be classified as ‘popular’ rather than ‘scholarly’ or ‘scientific.’ This book is a remarkable exception. Most of its contributors are both scholars and practitioners in the field connected to South African academic institutions where they specialize in a variety of theological disciplines. Each chapter could stand alone; together they complement each other and demonstrate the complexity of the discipline. This is a rare and rich resource for those engaged in spiritual formation and leadership.”

Heaven on Earth

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The book of Revelation is a closed book to many perplexed by its content and a happy hunting ground for others for whom it provides apocalyptic ammunition in support of dubious politics. In the hands of Michael Battle it becomes a source of encouragement and challenge for building community in a world in global crisis. Michael writes with passion, insight, a wry humor, and clarity. He also writes out of his experience as a black Episcopal priest who has drunk deeply from the wisdom of Desmond Tutu, his chief mentor. No more needs to be said to encourage you to read and digest what he has written and to study it together with others on the journey of faith and building the beloved community.”

Honest To Goodness

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“The title of Martin Prozesky’s stimulating book, like that earlier theological blockbuster, John Robinson’s Honest to God, is honest and about God, not as the ground of our being but as ultimate goodness. In an era of fake news and religion, honesty is a rare commodity, and God a much abused concept. If religion is dishonest it needs to be cast away, and if God is not goodness then God is unworthy of worship or trust. That is why Honest to Goodness needs to be read and why I commend it to you. You may not agree with everything Prozesky says, and he does not expect you will, but you should be more honest in both your faith and doubt, and hopefully have a deeper knowledge of who God is and why this God can be trusted.”

Justice, Grief, and Christ’s Pathways to Wholeness

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Liberating Mission in Mozambique

History & Biography

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Living between Science and Belief

Science & Faith

Foreword

“As always, Charles finds himself, quite literally, in the thick of things where he has always been most comfortably uncomfortable. But that is also the place from which he chooses to explore the common ground that connects science and belief as a participant rather than an aloof outsider regurgitating the tired arguments that keep them apart. His aim is not to score points or take sides, but to find meaning that gives value and direction to life, his life and ours. For binding it all together is his own journey from faith to skepticism and disillusionment, his liberating engagement with secular humanism and science, and his slow but profound rediscovery of the mystery of life to which all religious traditions and scientific enquiry point.”

Living Faith

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“Religion is too often a divisive force in the world, abused in giving legitimacy to ideologies and practices that dehumanise others. But genuine advocates of the great religious traditions discover in their own scriptures, and in dialogue with others, the resources needed to engage the powers for the sake of reconciliation and restoring justice. By telling the story of twentieth century faith-activists, Curtiss DeYoung has provided a road map for all, irrespective of tradition, who recognize the deep connection between spirituality and the struggle for justice and peace. His passion for his subject is evident on every page, making his lively study a challenging document of faith and hope.”

Look Back in Hope

History & Biography

“Many who are deeply indebted to Keith for his enormous contribution to the life of the ecumenical church will feel equally indebted to him for this remarkably thoughtful account which confirms him as one of the most important ecumenical leaders and thinkers of our time.”

Seasoned Speech

“Christians not only have the responsibility to understand the gospel but also to share it with others. This task is inspired by the Spirit through human agency—lives lived, deeds done, and words spoken. All are important and complementary but each is a special charism. This book is about the charism of the spoken word and what we can learn from the masters of the craft in persuading others to follow Christ. Because the communicators discussed are all among my favorites, I am biased in commending it to potential readers. But I hope my few words will persuade you to take up and read and become better witnesses to the Word. This is a well-crafted and timely book.”

The Aesthetics of Discipleship

Christian Living

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon

History & Biography

“''This book has been waiting to be written. I am delighted to be numbered amongst its readers and commend it to others.''”

The Consolations of Theology

Theology

“Imaginatively conceived and thoughtfully executed, this book will surely attract a wide and grateful readership. Collectively the essays demonstrate that theology at its best, whether ancient or modern, speaks to the human condition because it is born of personal struggle deep within the soul.”

The Cross and Gendercide

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“Elizabeth Gerhardt asks us to 'imagine a theological approach to ending violence against women that is holistic, and creative, and results in local and global initiatives.' This is what The Cross and Gendercide does. It feeds our imagination by bringing together in conversation a lifelong experience of dealing with the issues and a lively theological-ethical understanding shaped by Luther's 'theology of the cross' mediated through the witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The frightening global escalation of gender violence demands such critical theological reflection if Christians and churches are going to respond in ways shaped by the gospel, and with the commitment and urgency required.”

The Fiction of Our Lives

Christian Living

“I am part of the silent generation that has memories of World War II. I am not a North American Baby Boomer and have little knowledge of the songs that shaped Sandi's life. Some might therefore say that I lack the credentials to speak with authority on The Fiction of our Lives. But as I face turning eighty, I think I can say I know authenticity when I meet it; I recognize wisdom when it breaks unexpectedly into my life; and I can tell the difference between well and badly crafted books. The Fiction of our Lives pushes all these buttons. So thank you Sandi for including Isobel and me in your journey, and inviting us to share in the birthing of your book. Many others will also thank you for this passionate and skillful outpouring of heart and mind, marks of a genuine scientist and spiritual counselor.”

The Gospel for Buddhists and the Dharma for Christians

World Religions

Foreword

(wrote a foreword)

The Planet You Inherit

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“This is a must-read for grandparents and grandchildren and those who are still to be.”