John Howard Yoder: Mennonite Patience, Evangelical Witness, Catholic Convictions

Book Summary

John Howard Yoder (1927-1997) was a leading Christian witness against violence, articulating a theology from his own tradition so powerful that it compelled people from many other traditions to take notice. The war on terror, the temptations of nationalism, and the painful divisions between those who call themselves followers of Jesus signal our need to hear Yoder's voice again at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In his book Mark Thiessen Nation provides an insider's introduction to Yoder, demonstrating how a committed Mennonite could also be profoundly evangelical in his witness and broadly catholic in his Christian sensibilities. Taking us into Yoder's life and writings, Nation explores Yoder's context, his keen interest in the Anabaptist tradition, his sustained engagement with other Christians and other faiths, and his claim that pacifism is inherent to Jesus' message. John Howard Yoder (1927-1997) was a leading Christian witness against violence, articulating a theology from his own tradition so powerful it compelled others to take notice. The war on terror, the temptations of nationalism, and the painful divisions between those who call themselves followers of Jesus signal our need to hear Yoder's voice again at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In "John Howard Yoder," Mark Thiessen Nation provides an insider's introduction to Yoder, demonstrating how a committed Mennonite could also be profoundly evangelical in his witness and broadly catholic in his Christian sensibilities. Taking us into Yoder's life and writings, Nation explores Yoder's context, his keen interest in the Anabaptist tradition, his sustained engagement with other Christians and other faiths, and his claim that pacifism is inherent to Jesus' message. Finally, Nation lets Yoder's writings initiate a discussion of Christian responsibility, peacemaking, and conflict transformation critical to the present time.

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