The Acquittal of God: A Theology for Vietnam Veterans

by Uwe Siemon-Netto

Many Vietnam veterans felt and, in fact, still feel rejected by their God and the church and betrayed by their nation and even their families. Using themes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology, Uwe Siemon-Netto explores the veterans' situation and argues for God's acquittal of the charge of abandoning the veterans during and after the war.

108 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Uwe Siemon-Netto (born October 25, 1936), the former religion editor of United Press International, is an international columnist and a Lutheran lay (non-ordained) theologian. He is the founder and emeritus director of the Center for Lutheran Theology and Public Life (CLTPL) and League of Faithful Masks, a non-profit religious corporation based in Capistrano Beach, California. CLTPL/LFM champions the Lutheran doctrine of vocation as an antidote against the destructive force of contemporary narcissism.This doctrine holds that Christians have a divine calling to serve their neighbor in all their secular endeavors. CLTPL was formerly located at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Mo., where Siemon-Netto served as scholar-in-residence until 2009. As a journalist, Siemon-Netto specializes in issues relating to faith and society, and in foreign affairs. He is a correspondent of freepressers.com, an internet publication, and was a contributor of The Atlantic Times, an English-language monthly newspaper produced by leading German journalists for the North American market; he also taught as a visiting professor of journalism at Concordia University Irvine.

Reviews

[Susan Phillips]

Netto was a 'Nam journalist, chaplain, and therapist with vets. His book has actual veteran discussions on guilt and post war issues. Excellent discussion and theology of Veterans spiritual issues and war.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with some well reasoned points. It felt short for the depth of the topic, but was worth the time.