Books by John W. De Gruchy

In this book, John W. de Gruchy explores the core questions Dietrich Bonhoeffer asked during his life and how each lead to further questions as part of an ongoing conversation with himself, with others, and with us today.

2009 is the 500th anniversary of the birth of Calvin, the Reformed theologian whose legacy has played such an important role in the shaping of modern South Africa. The popular understanding of him as grim moralist, proponent of predestination and a tyrannical God is a caricature, but one that does spring from aspects of Calvin's legacy. In this book, De Gruchy attempts to restate the Reformed tradition as a transforming force, one that opposed slavery and apartheid and that participated in the struggle for liberation and transformation in this country. De Gruchy considers Christian humanism to be an alternative to both Christian fundamentalism and secularism, as ""being a Christian is all about being truly human in common with the rest of humanity"", and has come to the conclusion that there is much to retrieve and celebrate in the Reformed tradition that is of importance for the ecumenical church and global society in the 21st century. The ""evangelical"" element in the title refers to the literal meaning of the word - ""good news"" - which is at the heart of being both Christian and human.

Reconciliation is a theme of major contemporary interest, especially in a world engaged in a "war on terror". John de Gruchy is wary of false or complacent notions of reconciliation and argues that reconciliation depends in the end on the restoration of justice.

Previously unpublished letters and essays presented in this volume that is key reading for students of Holocaust studies, as well as interfaith, social historical studies and theology.

John W. de Gruchy entangles the complex story of the South African church, reviewing its history of past divisions. present positions on social issues and reflecting on the church's significance for the future.