God Is Not a Christian: And Other Provocations

"[Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s] unofficial legacy will be his life and the story of how this tiny pastor with a huge laugh from South Africa became our global guardian."—TIME

For the first time, a collection of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s profound and controversial historic speeches, interviews and sermons, demonstrating Tutu’s courageous and much-needed needed moral vision.

Biographer John Allen collects Nobel Peace Prize winning Tutu's most inspiring words in this anthology of speeches, interviews, and sermons that have rocked the world, including topics such as reconciliation after the atrocities of apartheid and later Rwanda, how we can celebrate differences, and welcome a variety of voices to the table.

An unforgettable look at the South African pastor’s deeply rooted empathy and penetrating wisdom, God Is Not a Christian is perfect for anyone moved by of Martin Luther King Jr.’s“ I Have a Dream” speech or Nelson Mandela’s stirring autobiography Conversations with Myself, brilliantly connecting readers with the courageous and much-needed moral vision that continues to change countless lives around the globe.

In this essential collection of Desmond Tutu’s most historicand controversial speeches and writings, we witness hisunique career of provoking the powerful and confronting theworld in order to protect the oppressed, the poor, and othervictims of injustice.

Renowned first for his courageous opposition to apartheidin South Africa, he and his ministry soon took on internationaldimensions. Rooted in his faith and in the values embodiedin the African spirit of ubuntu, Tutu’s uncompromisingvision of a shared humanity has compelled him to speakout, even in the face of violent opposition and virulent criticism,against political injustice and oppression, religiousfundamentalism, and the persecution of minorities.

Arranged by theme and introduced with insight andhistorical context by Tutu’s biographer, John Allen, thiscollection takes readers from the violent apartheid clashesin South Africa to the healing work of the Truth andReconciliation Committee; from Trafalgar Square after thefall of the Berlin Wall to a national broadcast commemoratingthe legacy of Nelson Mandela; from Ireland’s Christ ChurchCathedral in Dublin to a basketball stadium in Luanda,Angola. Whether exploring democracy in Africa, the genocidein Rwanda, black theology, the inclusion of gays andlesbians in the church, or the plight of Palestinians, Tutu’smessage of truth is clear and his voice unflinching.

In a world of suffering and conflict, where human laws alltoo often clash with God’s law, Tutu’s hopeful, timeless messagesbecome increasingly necessary and powerful with eachpassing year—and are needed now more than ever.

“I have the highest regard for my good and trusted friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I admire him for the wonderful, warm person he is and especially for the human principles he upholds.” - His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“His unofficial legacy will be his life and the story of how this tiny pastor with a huge laugh from South Africa became our global guardian.” - Time magazine

“His efforts have bridged the gulf between white and black, between oppressor and victim, and helped heal a nation in the spirit of atonement and forgiveness…. I would like him to know that I, and a whole generation of Africans, stand tall and see further because we stand on his shoulders.” - Kofi Annan, secretary general of the United Nations

“For decades [Tutu] has been a moral titan—a voice of principle, an unrelenting champion of justice, and a dedicated peacemaker ... an outspoken voice for freedom and justice in countries across the globe; a staunch defender of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons ...” - President Barack Obama

“An ideal calling card for this magnificent apostle of peace and fellowship. The selections span four decades of Tutu’s advocacy for tolerance, justice, and forgiveness.” - Booklist