Ellul, J: Violence

Description: On an issue that has created considerable uncertainty and uneasiness among many Christians, Jacques Ellul brings to bear the bold analysis and the brilliant clarity of argument that are associated with his distinguished studies on contemporary social questions. After surveying historically the various approaches of Christians to violence, Ellul examines in depth current statements by Christians condoning or accepting violence. He then contrasts, with penetrating insight, the dynamics of violence and the clear demands of the Gospel. In a concluding chapter he eloquently sets forth the truly distinctive nature of Christian radicalism and the violence of love. Of comfort to neither Right nor Left as such, this Gospel-centered study of the complex issue of violence today--deftly translated by Cecilia Gaul Kings--is a forceful, original contribution to the ongoing discussion of the issue in church and society. Endorsements: ""What troubles me is that Christians conform to the trend of the moment without introducing into it anything specifically Christian. Their convictions are determined by their social milieu, not by faith in the revelation; they lack the uniqueness which ought to be the expression of that faith. Thus theologies become mechanical exercises that justify the positions adopted, and justify them on grounds that are absolutely not Christian."" --Jacques Ellul from Violence: Reflections from a Christian Perspective About the Contributor(s): Jacques Ellul (1912-1994), a French sociologist and lay theologian, was Professor Emeritus of Law and of the History and Sociology of Institutions at the University of Bordeaux. He wrote more than forty books, including 'The Technological Society', 'The Humiliation of the Word', and 'Technological Bluff'.