A Theology of Reconstruction: Nation-Building and Human Rights

Description

The changing situation in South Africa and Eastern Europe prompts Charles Villa-Vicencio to investigate the implications of transforming liberation theology into a theology of reconstruction and nation-building. Such a transformation, he argues, requires theology to become an unambiguously interdisciplinary study. This book explores the encounter between theology, on the one hand, and constitutional writing, law-making, human rights, economics, and the freedom of conscience on the other. Placing his discussion in the context of the South African struggle, the author compares this situation to that in Eastern Europe, and the challenge of what is happening in these situations is identified for contexts where "the empire has not yet crumbled."

"A Theology of Reconstruction is Charles Villa-Vicencio at his best, responding with positive proposals for what a society should think and do when its cages begin to crumble. South African in viewpoint, the book invites us to think about human history, politics, and culture as the stuff of an emerging global, ecumenical conversation. It is a superb contribution to the conversation." Theology Today "A Theology of Reconstruction is Charles Villa-Vicencio at his best, responding with positive proposals for what a society should think and do when its cages begin to crumble. South African in viewpoint, the book invites us to think about human history, politics, and culture as the stuff of an emerging global, ecumenical conversation. It is a superb contribution to the conversation." Theology Today "There could not have been a more timely publication...This is a splendid contribution to the debate of the role of the church in exhilarating times, times when there are no real paradigms to turn to for what to do next. I commend Professor Villa-Vicencio's effort warmly." Archbishop Desmond Tutu