Reggie L. Williams

'Abstract moral reasoning is especially pernicious toward historically marginalized people, who are typically rendered invisible in the process. Universal reasoning boasts of a one-size-fits-all morality that is at best undetected egoism and at worst intentional domination that pushes the minority to the margins and disregards their experience of domination by the community in its dreaming of an ideal community. It is an ethical failure in disguise'

Dr. Williams shows the transformation of Bonhoeffer's world view and his theology from an unethical marriage of nationalism, privilege and church to one that exists among the marginalized and powerlessness. Williams' study gives not only a lesson in theology but in history detailing how closely linked the structure of white supremacy in the States and German nationalism were, and the role churches played on both sides of the divide, a reality often found more in the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance than inside the majority of American churches.

This book should (aside from providing insight into a great minister's growth), with its parallels to the rise of Christian nationalism today, be a warning to those too comfortable in thinking faith only deals with the next kingdom, or in conveniently overlooking injustice.

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