Ambassadors of Reconciliation: New Testament Reflections /Restorative Justice/Peacemaking V-1

by Ched Myers, Elaine Enns

St. Paul called on followers of Christ to be "ambassadors of reconciliation" in a world of violence and oppression. In reflections on this and other New Testaments texts, Ched Myers and Elaine Enns offer a lens for re-reading the entire biblical tradition as a resource for the cause of "restorative justice" and peacemaking. The term "restorative justice" refers to a social movement that seeks to repair interpersonal, communal, and social injuries without recourse to violence or retribution. From its origins in the criminal justice arena restorative justice has been applied in schools, homes, as well as workplaces. But examples such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa also show its application on a national level. In Ambassadors of Reconciliation I Ched Myers and Elaine Enns offer solid biblical and theological resources for this vital and growing movement. Their complementary volume, Ambassadors of Reconciliation II focusses on stories of the principles of restorative justice in action around the world.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Faith

174 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2009

Reviews

[Dustin Mailman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while traveling, and deeply stirred my sense of what biblical just reconciliation might look like. To synthesize robust liberative hermeneutics with the life of (non-santaclausified) Martin Luther King Jr, is to offer an image of beloved community I haven’t stumbled upon yet. I particularly loved the chapter on Matthew 18. Looking forward to starting volume 2.

[Andrew Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two volumes to this work that add up to one modest-size volume, but each volume has a different focus. Volume one is devoted primarily to an effective biblical hermeneutic of peace and the second volume notes some Christian activists, many of them not well known who give powerful examples of witnessing to the truth of the Prince of Peace.

[Aeisele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started out weak, and ended strong. The chapters on Matthew 18 and Ephesians were very illuminating, and very convincing. If you're looking for something to convince you that non-violence is the way of the gospel, this is it.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Myers and Enns apply perceptive close readings to New Testament passages to discern and explain restorative justice. A very thought-provoking book, well worth reading by anyone interested in restorative justice and peacemaking.