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

by Mark Theissen Nation, Stanley Hauerwas (Foreword by)

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.

Genres: Theology

235 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2005

Reviews

[Jeremy Garber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serviceable introduction to the work of quietly influential and widely under-read theologian John Howard Yoder, writer of the Politics of Jesus and a host of other work. Nation focuses primarily on Yoder’s ecumenical work, both practically over a decade of conciliar work and teaching at Notre Dame, and theoretically in his exploration of an Anabaptist-based hermeneutic that was really for all Christians. Nation traces Yoder’s roots in the Mennonite church and Anabaptist thought, but also rightly emphasizes that Yoder was never writing simply for a Mennonite audience. Nation’s chapters summarizing Yoder’s historical work, the Royal Priesthood, and The Politics of Jesus are especially strong. Recommended for anyone who wants a quick summary of Yoder’s thought – and especially as a gateway introduction into Yoder’s brilliant, revolutionary theological work. Anything that gets Christians reading JHY is worthwhile in my eyes.

[Seumas Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview and reflection on Yoder's life and contributions to theology from a leading Yoder-scholar