The Vietnam War and theologies of memory : time and eternity in the far country

__The Vietnam War and Theologies of Memory__ develops a theological analysis of the American war in Vietnam and constructs a Christian account of memory in relation to this tragic conflict. * An elegantly written reflection of memory and forgiveness, this unique work explores the ecclesial practice of memory in relation to the American war in Vietnam * Questions how and why we choose to remember atrocity, and asks whether it is ever ethical to simply forget * Explores the theological categories of time and eternity, and the ideas of thinkers including Aquinas, Augustine, and Barth * Reveals broader insights about history, memory, and redemption * Resonates beyond the field of theological inquiry by offering a broader analysis of war entirely relevant to our time Content: Chapter 1 Our Time in Vietnam (pages 15–34): Chapter 2 Killing Time (pages 35–55): Chapter 3 Christological Time (pages 59–93): Chapter 4 The Sorrow of the Exile (pages 94–119): Chapter 5 Saving Our Lives with a Story (pages 123–166): Chapter 6 Re?Performing the Dark Night of the Soul (pages 167–200): Chapter 7 Eucharistic Re?Membering (pages 201–281):

Many Americans are still haunted by the Vietnam War. Because memories of Vietnam were too difficult to bear, others made the fateful decision to forget entirely. But how – and why – does one choose to remember moral catastrophe? And is it ever ethical to simply forget?

This unique work develops a theological analysis of the American war in Vietnam, constructing a Christian account of memory in relation to the events that unfolded during the course of this long and tragic conflict. In doing so, it reveals broader insights about history, memory, and redemption. Combining the theological categories of time and eternity, Tran reflects upon two central questions: How might Christians theologically understand the Vietnam War; and why and how might Christians remember the horrors perpetrated there?

An elegantly written reflection of memory and forgiveness, The Vietnam War and Theologies of Memory represents a significant new work whose appeal will resonate beyond the field of theological inquiry by offering a far-reaching analysis of war entirely relevant to our time.

"Many Americans are still haunted by the Vietnam War. Because memories of Vietnam were too difficult to bear, others made the fateful decision to forget entirely. But how - and why - does one choose to remember moral catastrophe? And is it ever ethical to simply forget?" "This unique work develops a theological analysis of the American war in Vietnam, constructing a Christian account of memory in relation to the events that unfolded during the course of this long and tragic conflict. In doing so, it reveals broader insights about history, memory, and redemption. Combining the theological categories of time and eternity, Tran reflects upon two central questions: How might Christians theological understand the Vietnam War; and why and how might Christians remember the horrors perpetrated there?" --Book Jacket