Honouring The Enemy: Matthew 5: 38-42, Unhu Philosophy, and The Politics of Non-Retaliation In Zimbabwe
$20.00
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What if refusing retaliation is an act of courage that preserves dignity and challenges injustice?
In Honouring the Enemy, Dr Tapiwa Huggins Gusha explores Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38–42 through the lens of Unhu philosophy and Zimbabwe’s history of political violence. Bringing biblical interpretation into conversation with African understandings of humanity and community, this book examines how people can resist violence without surrendering their dignity or denying the reality of oppression.
At its heart is a challenging question: how can we honour the humanity of an enemy while holding that person accountable for harm?
Through social-scientific exegesis and postcolonial biblical interpretation, Gusha examines honour, shame, power, and retaliation. He presents “turning the other cheek” as a courageous response capable of interrupting cycles of violence and challenging the assumption that domination is necessary to preserve honour.
The discussion extends beyond individual relationships to the political and communal realities of Zimbabwe. It considers how Christian scripture has been interpreted within contexts of colonialism and conflict, and how African philosophical perspectives can contribute to a renewed understanding of non-retaliation.
Unhu provides a vital conversation partner in this exploration. Its emphasis on relational humanity invites readers to consider how dignity, responsibility, and community shape our responses to those who injure us. Together, these perspectives open possibilities for resistance that protects human worth while confronting injustice.
Honouring The Enemy: Matthew 5: 38-42, Unhu Philosophy, and The Politics of Non-Retaliation In Zimbabwe
$20.00