Theology: Christian Attitudes to War, Peace, and Revolution

John Howard Yoder (1927-1997) has been an influential figure for this site, for the Mennonite/Anabaptist movement and for a much broader theological and ethical debate on war, peace, and the faithfulness of the church during the 20th century. His influence continues with the release of his book Christian Attitudes to War, Peace, and Revolution, edited by Theodore J. Koontz and Jesus Radicals co-founder, Andy Alexis-Baker. The book is derived from the lectures Yoder taught in a class of the same name at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and University of Notre Dame. According to the editor’s preface, the book:

examines the historical development of Christian perspectives on war and peace from the second century to about 1980. How did various types emerge? How did they evolve? What contexts give rise to different perspectives on war?…How do they line up with the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? (9)

For Stanley Hauerwas, Christian Attitudes to War, Peace and Revolution “is not only essential for understanding Yoder’s position, it is an invaluable resource for anyone concerned with the ethics of war and peace.” Folks can read a review from Englewood Review of Books.

Tags: Christianity, ethics, John Howard Yoder, pacifism, resource, theology