Books
The following books provide an excellent overview of the theology and practice of peacemaking, and the multi-dimensional nature of reconciliation.
PEACEMAKING
Conflict Mediation Across Cultures: Pathways and Patterns
Augsburger, David W.
Full of helpful case studies and wise insights about peacemaking, especially across cultures. At times a bit academic.
Political Forgiveness: Lessons from South Africa
Daye, Russell
As the title suggests, Daye seeks to learn lessons from South Africa about the role of forgiveness in the political sphere. He describes five acts of political forgiveness: truth-telling, apology and claiming of responsibility, building a transitional-justice framework, finding ways to heal, and embracing forgiveness.
Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry
Elmer, Duane
The best book available on peacemaking cross-culturally. Describes biblically acceptable and culturally sensitive alternatives to the more direct Western approach to peacemaking. Includes discussion on the roles of the mediator, storytelling, and proverbs. His understanding of shame cultures is exceptional.
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (2nd edition)
Fisher, Roger and William Ury
A standard work on business negotiation with profound relevance for peacemaking. Describes four keys to “principled negotiation” – separate the people from the problem, focus on interests rather than positions, generate a variety of possibilities before deciding what to do, insist that the result be based on some objective standard.
Forgiveness: Breaking the Chain of Hate
Henderson, Michael
Abundantly illustrates the healing power of forgiveness through case studies from around the world. A stirring, inspirational book that will help equip the next generation of peacemakers.
Islam and Christianity
Kateregga, Badru. D. and Shenk, David W.
A simple and friendly faith exchange between a Muslim and a Christian. A great example of dialogue without compromise. David Shenk’s irenic spirit shines throughout.
Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace and Healing
Katongole, Emmanuel and Chris Rice
A profoundly biblical description of reconciliation in all its fullness. At the same time clear about the painful realism of the world in which we pursue peace. The authors are co-directors of the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School.
Peacemaking: Resolving Conflict, Restoring and Building Harmony in Relationships
Love, Rick
An inductive study of scripture about peacemaking in the format of a study guide. With helpful comments and practical questions.
Conflict and Peacemaking Across Cultures: Training for Trainers
Ruth-Heffelbower, Duane
Brimming with practical models for peacemaking in all its dimensions. An excellent guide.
The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
Sande, Ken
An excellent, practical guide to peacemaking. One of the best books available. The focus is primarily on peacemaking in the church.
Just Peacemaking: Transforming Initiatives for Justice and Peace
Stassen, Glen H.
Outlines the basic principles of “just peacemaking,” with a profound analysis of the Sermon on the Mount. Stassen is a professor of Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Just Peacemaking: Ten Practices for Abolishing War
Stassen, Glen H., editor
Glen Stassen and others describe a new kind of ethical theory as it relates to war, which they call “just peacemaking.” In contrast to pacifism and just war theory, just peacemaking focuses on the importance of ten proactive practices that prevent war and facilitate peace.
No Future Without Forgiveness
Tutu, Desmond
A profoundly moving story along with revolting details about apartheid in South Africa. Describes the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the role of forgiveness in the healing of this nation. Tutu’s commitment to “restorative justice ... the healing of breaches, the redressing of imbalances, the restoration of broken relationships” highlights the power of true forgiveness.
Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation
Volf, Miroslav
A profound description of reconciliation by a world class theologian. But this is not ivory tower theology. It was born in the crucible of violence and war. Not always an easy read.
Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace
Volf, Miroslav
A popular yet profound description of the theology of giving and forgiving. Volf is masterful at showing how the gospel of Jesus relates to life.
JESUS
Speaking of Jesus
Medearis, Carl
The Jesus Creed
McNight, Scot
The Incomparable Christ
Stott, John
BIBLICAL HOLISM
Good News and Good Works
Sider, Ron
Ministries of Mercy
Keller, Tim
GOD'S BLESSING FOR ALL PEOPLES
Glocalization
Roberts, Bob
Whose Promised Land
Chapman, Colin
WISDOM, INTEGRITY, AND BOLDNESS IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD
Speaking of Jesus
Medearis, Carl
The World is Flat
Friedman, Thomas
Glocalization
Roberts, Bob
Click here for bibliographical information on the above books
