Rating: 
Summary: Sometimes less is more.
Review: "The Powers That Be" is a condensed version of "Engaging the Powers." I read "Engaging The Powers" first and found it very dense in the sense that I had to read a bit and ponder, read a bit and ponder. "The Powers That Be" moves much faster, perhaps because I was already tuned into the themes, but I do think that in this case, less is more. Wink's treatment of the two theories of the Atonement should be required reading for pastors and Sunday School teachers. Several years ago I was teaching teens and a kid asked me what it means when we say that Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins. It struck me like a thunderbolt that I had no idea what those words mean when I knew I should. That's the "blood theory" of the Atonement. I held the "Christus Victor" view of the Atonement but I did not posess the framework nor the knowledge of the historical context to answer the kid's question. The notion that God was so angry at our sinfulness that he demanded a ransom be paid and that no human was good enough so he supplied His own son to be tortured is rotten theology not to mention the "God as monster" image it portrays would make athiesm and "act of pur religion," as Wink says. Under "Christus Victor", God is loving and wants us to live as one in His Kingdom on earth. The Domination System prevents us from living that way, so this loving God appears to us in human form to show us how to defeat the Powers and Principalities which cause some of us to dominate others. Read the book!
Rating: 
Summary: Systems theory with a Jungian twist
Review: Although this book is hailed for its practical application of the Gospels, the attentive reader will quickly observe that the Bible serves only an ancillary role. What gives form to The Powers That Be is secular psychology; the text is saturated with Jungian vocabulary and conceptions. As a practical application of Jungian psychology, The Powers That Be would be an interesting and helpful read, but Jung is scarcely mentioned and not credited at all. The use of an unacknowledged source is not the end of Wink's problems, either. His presentation is plagued by historical inaccuracy, ethnocentrism, dubious hermeneutics, lack of care about how generalizations are used, invalid argument, and logical inconsistency. Wink's introduction may be more revealing than intended: it describes a passion about the issue of violence that evidently drives Wink's writing more than logic. Wink has an important contribution to make, but this contribution suffers from a lack of well reasoned thought and the lack of a rational approach to religion.
Rating:
Summary: Systems theory with a Jungian twist
Review: Although this book is hailed for its practical application of the Gospels, the attentive reader will quickly observe that the Bible serves only an ancillary role. What gives form to The Powers That Be is secular psychology; the text is saturated with Jungian vocabulary and conceptions. As a practical application of Jungian psychology, The Powers That Be would be an interesting and helpful read, but Jung is scarcely mentioned and not credited at all. The use of an unacknowledged source is not the end of Wink's problems, either. His presentation is plagued by historical inaccuracy, ethnocentrism, dubious hermeneutics, lack of care about how generalizations are used, invalid argument, and logical inconsistency. Wink's introduction may be more revealing than intended: it describes a passion about the issue of violence that evidently drives Wink's writing more than logic. Wink has an important contribution to make, but this contribution suffers from a lack of well reasoned thought and the lack of a rational approach to religion.
Rating:
Summary: A good book-but a condensation of three previous books.
Review: Buyers should be aware that this is merely a condensation of Dr. Wink's three previous larger works on the subject, and not a new vilume in that series. Its usefulness will thus be restricted to those who have not read his excellent books previously.
Rating:
Summary: New Millennium - New Philosophy of Life
Review: For years now, I've come to realize that there is no hope for future generations unless we radically alter the system of the world as it now operates. We cannot resort to violence since that mode of force is outdated and is becoming an ancient relic. We must embrace a new mode of life which promotes individuality and celebrates humanity. Wink's books resonate with this new philosophy of "non-violent resistance": the ability to stand firm in one's beliefs and ideals without resorting to violence. The philosophy of force is the problem, which can only be outwitted by peace.Wink outlines a philosphy of non-violence; yet, he is not asking us to become doormats for the force mongers to wipe their feet upon. He is stating that if enough people have the courage of their convictions and can stand firm in the face of tyranny, without raising a fist - there is more than enough power in this non-force action to change the world. Non-force is a powerful concept. Yes, he does bring the words of Christ into his books - but it is a different Christ than we ever realize existed. It is a Jesus who so loves the world that in his strength, he fights the force mongers with the power of peace. It takes greater strength and determination to seek peace than to strike out in force and harm a person. Force is for frightened wimps who hide behind their guns. This book is extraordinary in its' clarity and sense of purpose. I am attempting to live the words of peace written by Mr. Wink. I want to help usher in the new philosophy of peace so that future generations have an opportunity to live in harmony.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent philosophical basis for activists
Review: I bought this book when it was recommended as "essential reading" at a peacemaking workshop. I found it invaluable in putting to rest my tendencies to demonize others, especially those in power, and to forego action because I was not blameless. This book proved the basis for me to regain my optimism about the possibility of acting in the world--acknowledging reality while remaining optimistic for change and social justice. I went out and bought 12 copies to give to influencers of policy, from Bill Clinton to fellow members of my Peace Covenant group. You don't have to believe in any particular dogma to get a lot out of this overview of ways to look at the world and to engage with it. I've already run out of copies and hope that more people read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent philosophical basis for activists
Review: I bought this book when it was recommended as "essential reading" at a peacemaking workshop. I found it invaluable in putting to rest my tendencies to demonize others, especially those in power, and to forego action because I was not blameless. This book proved the basis for me to regain my optimism about the possibility of acting in the world--acknowledging reality while remaining optimistic for change and social justice. I went out and bought 12 copies to give to influencers of policy, from Bill Clinton to fellow members of my Peace Covenant group. You don't have to believe in any particular dogma to get a lot out of this overview of ways to look at the world and to engage with it. I've already run out of copies and hope that more people read this book.
Rating:
Summary: I never thought such a simple book could make such an impact
Review: I wasn't too "into" the first and last chapters--I'd probably suggest skimming those. But that's what made the meat "in-between" even more stunning! Walter Wink is brilliant, and his insight into nonviolence brings up doctrinal and historic strengths of nonviolent activism that I'd never even heard. This is the book that answers people who say "you pacifists are just weak! Pacifism will only let the bad guys win!" For years I never knew how to answer that, so I never committed to nonviolence. This book delivers excellent answers.
Rating:
Summary: A profoundly important book
Review: If I had to pick the best theology books of the past twenty-five years, Walter Wink's *Powers that Be* would be close to the top of the list. It does nothing less than revolutionize the way Christians have come to think of their role in the world. But when I say "revolutionize," what I really mean--and this is Wink's contention as well--is that it "reminds" Christians of the original message brought by Jesus and accepted by the early Church. And that message is that nonviolence, not violence, is not only what God expects, but also what ultimately works in the world. Wink argues that humans live under "domination systems"--the "powers and principalities that be." These are the structural and ideological institutions that manipulate our minds, lives, and activities, reduce our freedom, and retard our flourishing. As Christians, we're called to resist them without buying into the "myth of redemptive violence"--the centuries' old chestnut that violence is the only kind of force that works, and that because it works it justifies itself. Jesus showed an alternative way--the path of nonviolent resistance. In examining nonviolent resistance, Wink is masterful. He persuasively destroys the stereotype of nonviolence as a turn-the-other-cheek passivity by exploring what Jesus really meant when he advocated cheek-turning or walking the second mile. Along the way, he offers one of the most insightful analysis of the post-Jesus "just war doctrine" I've ever read. Wink is realistic enough to not completely reject the doctrine. But he does suggest that we quit using it as a justification for war and begin thinking of it instead in terms of "violence-reduction criteria." An amazing book that every Christian ought to read and meditate on, particularly now that the dogs of war are baying loudly. I give it ten stars.
Rating:
Summary: A profoundly important book
Review: If I had to pick the best theology books of the past twenty-five years, Walter Wink's *Powers that Be* would be close to the top of the list. It does nothing less than revolutionize the way Christians have come to think of their role in the world. But when I say "revolutionize," what I really mean--and this is Wink's contention as well--is that it "reminds" Christians of the original message brought by Jesus and accepted by the early Church. And that message is that nonviolence, not violence, is not only what God expects, but also what ultimately works in the world. Wink argues that humans live under "domination systems"--the "powers and principalities that be." These are the structural and ideological institutions that manipulate our minds, lives, and activities, reduce our freedom, and retard our flourishing. As Christians, we're called to resist them without buying into the "myth of redemptive violence"--the centuries' old chestnut that violence is the only kind of force that works, and that because it works it justifies itself. Jesus showed an alternative way--the path of nonviolent resistance. In examining nonviolent resistance, Wink is masterful. He persuasively destroys the stereotype of nonviolence as a turn-the-other-cheek passivity by exploring what Jesus really meant when he advocated cheek-turning or walking the second mile. Along the way, he offers one of the most insightful analysis of the post-Jesus "just war doctrine" I've ever read. Wink is realistic enough to not completely reject the doctrine. But he does suggest that we quit using it as a justification for war and begin thinking of it instead in terms of "violence-reduction criteria." An amazing book that every Christian ought to read and meditate on, particularly now that the dogs of war are baying loudly. I give it ten stars.
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