Engaging Politics in Myanmar: A Study of Aung San Suu Kyi and Martin Luther King Jr in Light of Walter Wink's Political Theology

by Aung Htoo

Overview

Violence is not just physical; like everything in life, it bears spiritual implications. Thus, nonviolence offers more than just a method for resisting oppression. It offers a spiritual revolution – a way of seeking life to cultivate the reality of God’s kingdom in a world where the myth of redemptive violence is rampant. In this book, Dr Aung Htoo places Walter Wink’s political theology in conversation with both Aung San Suu Kyi and the work of Martin Luther King Jr. Locating this dialogue against the political backdrop of Myanmar’s history, Htoo explores the theological and political implications of nonviolence in the cultural context of the country’s people groups. He draws on the shared Buddhist and Christian foundation of commitment to loving kindness to suggest a new political reality for Myanmar – one in which its citizens work together for the transformation of their shared homeland. Ultimately, Htoo challenges Christians to dethrone the spirit of domination and bear witness to the holistic gospel in every aspect of their lives. This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in theology, peace studies, or the intersection between faith and politics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781783688326
Publisher:	Langham Creative Projects
Publication date:	03/31/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	366
File size:	922 KB

Table of Contents

1. Acknowledgements
2. Abstract
3. List of Abbreviations
4. Part I
   
   1. Chapter 1 Introduction
   2. Chapter 2 Two Contrasting Orders: The Domination System and God’s Domination-Free Order
   3. Chapter 3 Jesus’s Third Way or Nonviolent Engagement: A Critical Construct
   
   
   
   
5. Part II
   
   1. Chapter 4 Martin Luther King Jr on Nonviolence
   2. Chapter 5 Suu Kyi on Nonviolence
   
   
   
   
6. Part III
   
   1. Chapter 6 King and Suu Kyi in Dialogue with Walter Wink
   2. Chapter 7 Engaging with the Politics of Myanmar through Wink, King and Suu Kyi
   3. Chapter 8 Conclusion: Political Implications for Christians in Myanmar
   
   
   
   
7. Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Dr Aung Htoo’s knowledge of Myanmar and the situation of the Christian community is impressive. The book offers a creative exploration of non-violence and its significance for the local Christian community.

David Tombs, PhD

Howard Paterson Chair of Theology and Public Issues,

University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

Creative. Original. Ground-breaking. Excellent. The book is bold in design and convincing in implementation. This book is a superb, critical, dialogue with three quite different thinkers/activists in order to develop a culturally appropriate theological ethics. The initial application is for Christians in Myanmar. But the basic methodology deserves widespread use. Highly recommended.

Ronald J. Sider, PhD

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy,

Palmer Theological Seminary, St Davids, Pennsylvania, USA

Issues of power, oppression, justice, and compassion are at the heart of this challenging and important work that brings together diverse voices from outside the modern West in dialogue with the ethical paradigm of Walter Wink and his “Powers trilogy.” This work brings into conversation political theology, practical theology, and moral theology and the result is a penetrating challenge to Christians in Myanmar, and the rest of us, to live with wisdom and courage in an increasingly post-secular society.

Myk Habets, PhD

Head of Theology, Laidlaw College, Auckland, New Zealand

Senior Research Fellow, Australian College of Theology, Sydney

From the Publisher