In his book "Exclusion and Embrace" Miroslav Volf takes the reader on a sweeping theological exploration of what it means to truly embrace the other. Scripture is replete with examples and perspective from those who represent the downtrodden, and the forgotten. The weak and feeble represent a majority portion of the characters in the narrative of Scripture. Volf correctly recognizes this aspect of Scripture, and calls for all Christians to recognize our responsibility to embrace ... (show more)

In his book "Exclusion and Embrace" Miroslav Volf takes the reader on a sweeping theological exploration of what it means to truly embrace the other. Scripture is replete with examples and perspective from those who represent the downtrodden, and the forgotten. The weak and feeble represent a majority portion of the characters in the narrative of Scripture. Volf correctly recognizes this aspect of Scripture, and calls for all Christians to recognize our responsibility to embrace the other in our lives. Those who are weak, and oppressed occupy a special place in the mind of God.

Jesus came to both bring hope to the oppressed, and to offer them the chance at repentance [page 114]. Forgiveness for Volf is no simple task, rather forgiveness is a deep and complicated issue, one that requires proper naming of the wrong done, and a seeking after justice. In a world where many cry out for justice, Volf shows us that justice can only come through those who have been forgiven, and from those who forgive. Forgivness involves both the excluding of the perpetrator, the recognition of wrong on both sides, exclusion of the wrong done, and forgiveness which in turn should lead to true embrace. Justice can only come after the process of exclusion and embrace.

Volf's chapter on Deception and Truth is both riveting, and important for anyone seeking to understand the epistemological shifts of a postmodern world. We know in part, we see through a mirror dimly. Postmodernity has torn down the tower of certainty in our world, including the certitude with which we speak in theology. We are not the truth, but rather we are witnesses to the truth, and we must proclaim our understanding of that truth from our own context being faithful witnesses of the truth that we follow. We must clearly resist the power regimes that seek to create truth [ala Foucault], but rather see truth as coming from a different world. The kingdom of which we are a part is not from this world, as Jesus so clearly told Pilate in his confrontation in John 19.

Exclusion and Embrace is an excellent theological exploration of how we are to treat the other in our world. I highly recommend that any serious student of theology read this book. (show less)