The Tenderness of Conscience

With this book theologian and political observer Allan Boesak once again displays the strengths of his writings that were evident in the seventies and eighties: bringing Christian theology to bear on the political and socio-economic realities of our world. This time the emphasis falls on Thabo Mbeki's idea and ideal of an African Renaissance and its interaction with globalisation, continental politics and the political dynamics in South Africa as they pertain to the burning issues of our time: reconciliation, the role of the church in post-apartheid South Africa, the centrality of religious faith in the struggle for freedom, and Allan Boesak's assertion that 'just as we had a spirituality of struggle, so South Africa needs a spirituality of politics'.

The Tenderness of Conscience is a passionate, eloquent and entirely convincing book, not just in its treatment of the issues, but also in its forthright and mind-broadening conversation with President Thabo Mbeki. It is a clarion call for the transformational presence of the religious voice in politics – a voice that speaks up for the well-being of the entire nation.

'Tenderness of Conscience is a wonderful book. It is wonderful in its passion and in its intelligence. Running throughout is the prophetic cry, "This must not be." It is thus a sobering book. Yet it is also hopeful; your mood when you put it down will not be despair, but hope.'
Nicholas Wolterstorff

'A serious and open-hearted commentary on the African Renaissance and the spirituality of politics, but with the clarity of the deeply embedded Christian message.'
Danny Titus