Author JOHN HOWARD YODER
Publisher EERDMANS
ISBN 0-8028-0734-8
It is thirty years ago since this book was first published and it prompted mixed reviews from the various branches of the Christian Church both in the USA and further a field. Its author has added a section at the end of most chapters in this reprint of his original work and in these he examines briefly and comments briefly on some of the development of thought in Christian circles around the subject. It is also clear that time has not moved him to alter his views, only to confirm them. He is a professor at the University of Notre Dame and this will suggest the scholarly nature of his writing style.
The subject matter makes for essential reading though, especially for those in leadership in churches and those whose favorite topics are along the line of the ‘kingdom teaching’ popular in some circles. His argumentation from Luke’s Gospel and from the writings of the Apostle Paul point to the fact that the Lord Jesus presented and lived a specific kind of Christian Pacifism, certainly what is exposited from the New Testament moves in that direction and contests the more usual Lutheran and Reformed approach, not to mention the somewhat militaristic kind of implied nationalistic right wing doctrines of some American (in particular) evangelical/charismatic churches.
A phrase from the book captures his thesis “the cross of Christ is the model of Christian social efficacy.” This is applied in a steady though general way to the life that should be displayed in the churches. It is Sermon on the Mount ethics expounded without dilution and avoids the usual ideas presented by what have come to be known as Christian realists who baulk at the apparently foolish implications of turning the other cheek and rejecting all notions of what is often thought to be a just war. Is there such a thing for the Christian believer? Not in Yoder’s view. There are plenty of studies that have been provoked by this work, the insights that this author offers have been examined and added to in some cases.
He makes a cogent case, one which some will class as an example of Christian idealism. There are many who have adopted a doctrinal stance that manages to avoid the application of Jesus’ ethical teachings to the realms of politics but what sort of politics was Jesus presenting? What is the kingdom of God of which He spoke and lived; it took Him to the cross, but was the death He died itself a tool of control or a manifestation of the nature of God?
Those who read this book will find plenty of food for thought.
