God Is Not A Christian

A collection of key speeches, sermons and lectures from the career of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The first black Archbishop of Cape Town, Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and was Chair of a group of former world leaders, The Elders, which aims to tackle some of the world's most intractable problems. He helped calm the political crisis in Kenya and regularly spoke out against Mugabe, Israel, the Iraq War and the Burmese junta, but is also noted for his irrepressible sense of humour and deep spirituality. He lived in South Africa and travelled widely. Tutu died on the 26th December 2021, at the age of 90. 
 
Working first as a journalist in South Africa, and then as Tutu's Press Secretary, John Allen was invited to join the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as Director of Communications in 1995. Next he was aide to Tutu when the Archbishop taught in Atlanta for two years. He lives in South Africa.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is no stranger to controversy. From racism and social injustice, to the threat of AIDS, the continuing crisis in the Middle East and the importance today of 'ubuntu' (the concept of shared humanity), the Archbishop expresses his views powerfully and honestly, showing how faith and politics are inextricably linked. A forceful opponent of apartheid and later a compelling leader of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and has remained a leading campaigner for human rights ever since. In 2009, he was awarded the highest civilian award in the United States, the Presidential Medal, by Barack Obama. 
 
This collection brings together some of the Archbishop's key speeches, sermons, lectures and exchanges from the past three decades, charting the trajectory of his extraordinary career and showing why he remains one of the world's best-loved and most outspoken religious figures. Edited by John Allen, a journalist and former aide of the Archbishop, God is Not a Christian reveals Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his own words.

And why this makes all the difference

Made For Goodness

Archbishop Desmond Tutu's positive and accessible follow-up to God Has A Dream

Even with the incredible trauma and cruelty Archbishop Tutu endured in South Africa during apartheid and the many atrocities he has witnessed in his life, he still radiates love and happiness. This wonderful new book is a great gift to the world and will help all of us celebrate our goodness and oneness

Sir Richard Branson, founder and chairman of the Virgin Group

As the author so clearly and beautifully says in this book, "anyone can choose to cultivate compassion." Thank you Archbishop Tutu for helping us all come back home to our true nature, which is inherently good and whole, and touch the peace that is always there for us

Thich Nhat Hanh, author of The Miracle of Mindfulness

Desmond Tutu has walked the talk all his adult life. We can all be grateful that, together with his daughter Mpho, he has now shared his secrets for why he has so much hope and joy

Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland

In Made for Goodness, Archbishop Desmond Tutu explains that, though we sometimes act out of depravity and despair, we do know in our heart of hearts that we are not as we were meant to be, and were created to be so much more. The truth of human goodness can get hidden under the fear that we cannot live up to its demands, or it can get buried under faults or failures, or it can just get forgotten. 
 
In this thoughtful and important book, the Archbishop (with his daughter, Mpho Tutu) shows how we can find our way back to goodness by changing our attitudes, by practising forgiveness, and by prayer. Then we will begin to see the goodness and beauty of others... If our view changes, this in turn alters the way we act. And how we act towards each other affects not only ourselves but everything in our world - for the better.

A Vision of Hope for Our Times

God Has A Dream

Archbishop Desmond Tutu's bestselling inspirational book for people of all faiths - and none – now available in paperback

Desmond Tutu shows each of us how to transform our pain and sorrow into hope and confidence in the future

I have the highest regard for my good friend Desmond Tutu and admire him for the humane principles he upholds

God Has a Dream shows us how our personal and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption

Jimmy Carter, ex-US President and Nobel Peace Prize winner

This book is a testimony to the shining spirit and unquenchable faith of Archbishop Tutu. It will inspire your heart

Jack Kornfield, author of A Path With Heart

Desmond Tutu is full of courage and faith in humanity's capacity for good...always the voice of inspiration

Desmond Tutu has been Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Laureate (in 1984). Also Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Today he travels the world, taking up visiting lectureships, speaking to thousands and preaching peace and transformation.

God Has A Dream is an extremely personal and liberating message of hope and light in dark times. In it, the Archbishop shows how important it is that, even as we face the harsh realities of our individual lives and global conditions, we remember the importance of hope and dreams - for it is on hope and dreams that a better future will be built, and that God's dream for us will be fulfilled. And Tutu also demonstrates how to bring these dreams to fruition in very practical terms, for example in learning how to love, ridding ourselves of our prejudices, opposing injustice, promoting the qualities of forgiveness, humility and generosity in ourselves, taking time to be still and quiet and in being patient. 
 
Meant not only for a Christian audience but also for those of all faiths - and none - who are drawn to a life of more inspiration and integrity, God Has A Dream is highly readable and very relevant to the times we live in. Instead of being a political document (as was his previous book No Future Without Forgiveness) this is a major work of contemporary spirituality from a Church leader known for his charisma, robust approach and humour.

No Future Without Forgiveness

Archbishop Desmond Tutu's highly successful and inspirational autobiography has been widely praised round the globe – now available in paperback

The first black Archbishop of Cape Town, Tutu has won the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and today is Chair of a group of former world leaders, The Elders, which aims to tackle some of the world's most intractable problems. He has helped calm the political crisis in Kenya and regularly speaks out against Mugabe, Israel, the Iraq War and the Burmese junta, but is also noted for his irrepressible sense of humour and deep spirituality. He lives in South Africa but travels widely.

No Future Without Forgiveness is a quintessentially humane account of an extraordinary life.  Desmond Tutu describes his childhood and coming of age in the apartheid era in South Africa.  He examines his reactions on being able to vote for the first time at the age of 62 - and on Nelson Mandela's election, also his feelings on being Archbishop of Cape Town and his award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. No Future Without Forgiveness is also his fascinating experience as head of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  The latter was a pioneering international experiment to expose many of the worst atrocities committed under apartheid, and to rehabilitate the dignity of its victims.  Tutu draws important parallels between the Commissioners' approach to the situation in South Africa with other areas of conflict such as Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Rwanda and the Balkans.

Dalai Lama

Desmond Tutu

I want to wish all of you joy—because there is no better gift. Two spiritual masters, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share their wisdom in this uplifting book. I promise you, it’s the best $26 you can spend.

A wonderful and uplifting book from two inspirational spiritual leaders.

Absolutely incredible - lasting happiness in a changing world.

I read the most amazing book last year called The Book of Joy. It’s the most wonderful book of two old men, with beautiful photographs of them laughing together, just talking about stories about humans and how they’ve been uplifted in their life. It really is the book of Joy. I’d just have to take that [to the desert island] because it would make me smile all the time.

Sue Biggs, Director General of Royal Horticultural Society

An extraordinary read from two global spiritual giants […] The topics they cover, from the nature of true joy to its obstacles, as well as joy-boosting practices, offer a heartfelt and uplifting read, with practical advice on bringing more joy into each day.

Two spiritual giants. Seven days. One timeless question. 
 
'The ultimate source of happiness is within us.' DALAI LAMA 
 
'We grow in kindness when our kindness is tested.' DESMOND TUTU 
 
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama have been friends for many, many years. Between them, they have endured exile, violence and oppression. And in the face of these hardships, they have continued to radiate compassion, humour and above all, joy. 
 
To celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday, Archbishop Tutu travelled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala. The two men spent a week discussing a single burning question: how do we find joy in the face of suffering? 
 
This book is a gift from two of the most important spiritual figures of our time. Full of love, warmth and hope, The Book of Joy offers us the chance to experience their journey from first embrace to final goodbye.

Desmond Tutu

Praise for The Book of Joy

I want to wish all of you joy—because there is no better gift. Two spiritual masters, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share their wisdom in this uplifting book. I promise you, it’s the best $26 you can s ...

A wonderful and uplifting book from two inspirational spiritual leaders.

Absolutely incredible - lasting happiness in a changing world.

I want to wish all of you joy—because there is no better gift. Two spiritual masters, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share their wisdom in this uplifting book. I promise you, it’s the best $26 you can s ...

A wonderful and uplifting book from two inspirational spiritual leaders.

Absolutely incredible - lasting happiness in a changing world.

I want to wish all of you joy—because there is no better gift. Two spiritual masters, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share their wisdom in this uplifting book. I promise you, it’s the best $26 you can s ...

A wonderful and uplifting book from two inspirational spiritual leaders.

Absolutely incredible - lasting happiness in a changing world.

Books by Desmond Tutu

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