The Christian Century

As I sat in a South African retreat center, I was struck by the differences between the two church leaders who were speaking. One is a well-known retreat leader, a contemplative person who stresses the importance of the deep, inward journey of the soul with God. The other is a leader in the social witness against apartheid, an activist who stresses the importance of the church’s wide mission of engagement in the world. These two friends and colleagues in ministry were talking with our group from the United States about Christian faith and life in South Africa.

Each had wonderful insights about the importance of the gospel for shaping lives, nurturing souls, resisting injustice and transforming communities. It was a memorable evening.