The Original Revolution: Essays on Christian Pacifism

by John Howard Yoder

This is the original the creation of a distinct community with its alternate set of values and its coherent way of incarnating them. Second edition 2003, 200 pages.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Politics, Christianity, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1971

About the author

Yoder was a Christian theologian, ethicist, and Biblical scholar best known for his radical Christian pacifism, his mentoring of future theologians such as Stanley Hauerwas, his loyalty to his Mennonite faith, and his 1972 magnum opus, "The Politics of Jesus".

Reviews

[Luke Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this collection of John Yoder's essays and lectures on Christian non-violence/pacifism enough. While Christian non-violence is a unifying theme of these essays, even those that do not adhere to non-violence or pacifism would do well to read these essays. Yoder's biblical, political, and ecumenical perspectives are entirely Christo-centric and cruciform in nature. If God is best revealed in Jesus of Nazareth, the Crucified One, then what are the implications of this Crucified One being our Lord and King? What does this mean for our politics, our notions of justice, and our commitments to the state.

The gospel--the "good news of Jesus the Messiah-King"--is the original revolution. Yet, far too often, the Church has exchanged its distinctive and unique witness to the kingdom of God for a "chaplaincy" of sorts, blessing the efforts of the state and the rebellious "principalities and powers." Alliance between the Church and the state is nothing new in Church history; yet, even in the 21st century, we still believe that "Constantinianism" (or a "neo-Constantinianism") could prove to bring about the results we desire. This misses the mark, however, for the ends--no matter how desirable--do not justify unjust and undesirable means ("Christ the Hope of the World," 172). May the Church recognize that the original revolution begun by Jesus of Nazareth still is normative for his followers today.

[James]

This is a series of essays on Christian pacifism. They are not connected to each other, but that makes it better because each one hones in on a particular topic. I was actually surprised how much it didn't relate to pacifism. Overall, though, this was an incredible book. It discusses a lot about Jesus and his revolution. It discusses our place in politics. Another huge theme is the historical marraige of church and state, what that means for pacifism, and how that affects us today in 20th century Christianity. The essays were written (or spoken) during the cold war and Vietnam war, and there was a lot of civil turmoil going on, so it was some real issues for the present. And still very relevant to us today. This is well written and a dense book, but I loved it. I want to read it again slowly to digest it better. All around a great read.

[Daniel Yutzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent set of essays for the most part. Feels a little more accessible than some of his other books. Whatever the sins of Yoder, in this book he defends an important truth that a lot of Christians try to explain away. The first 300 odd years of church history and the words are of Jesus are pretty strong against any Christian waging war.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

As whole it ends up being less than the sum of its parts - I would definitely recommend reading it one essay at a time rather than all at once.

[Alden Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the book that caused me to fall in love with theology. though I don't align myself as closely with the anabaptist tradition anymore, this is a powerful piece of christian writing. yoder is direct, simple, and difficult to contradict. he can even get a church of christ boy to study theology.

[Ian Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opened my eyes to the need for Christians no to be involved in war

[Bob]

Chapter 2, on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, is worth the price.