The Politics of Yahweh: John Howard Yoder the Old Testament and the People of God: 12 (Theopolitical Visions)

John Howard Yoder is most famous for arguing in The Politics of Jesus that a sound reading of the New Testament demonstrates the abiding relevance of Jesus to social ethics. However it is seldom acknowledged that Yoder makes essentially the same argument with regard to the Old Testament. Throughout his extensive writings Yoder offers a provocative interpretation of the Old Testament that culminates in the way of Jesus and establishes the ethical ecclesiological and historiographical continuity of the entire biblical canon. In The Politics of Yahweh presented as a prequel to The Politics of Jesus John C. Nugent makes Yoders complete Old Testament interpretation accessible in one place for the first time. Nugent does not view Yoders interpretation as flawless. Rather Nugent moves beyond summary to offer honest critique and substantial revision. His constructive proposal which stands in fundamental continuity with the work of Yoder is likely to provoke thought from theologians biblical scholars and ethicists. Even at points where readers disagree with some of his and Yoders interpretations they will be challenged to explore new perspectives and rethink common assumptions concerning the diverse and often confusing issues that arise from sustained reflection on the Old Testament.--Publisher.