The Wisdom of the Cross: Essays in Honor of John Howard Yoder

Few recent Christian thinkers have been as widely influential as John Howard Yoder (1927-1997). Encompassing a teaching career of more than thirty years and such landmark publications as The Politics of Jesus Yoders life and thought have profoundly impacted students and colleagues from a broad range of disciplines. In the words of Stanley Hauerwas Yoder is probably the major theologican/ethicists of this half-century in America and certainly the leading Mennonite theologian of the twentieth century. The Wisdom of the Cross is the only book to provide valuable secondary essays engaging Yoders central theological concerns together with a biographical reflection on his life and legacy. Written by scholars both from within and outside of Yoders Mennonite community these essays develop the most significant aspects of Yoders thought - from his powerful defense of Christian pacifism to his seminal analysis of the politics of Jesus to his challenging contributions to Christian social ethics ecclesiology and theological method. The book also includes a previously unpublished essay on moral absolutes by Yoder himself. A fitting tribute to Yoders distinguished career this volume will be useful to readers new to Yoders work and to those wishing to probe more deeply into the implications of his thought. Stanley Hauerwas is the Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics Duke University Durham North Carolina. Chris K. Huebner is assistant professor of theology and ethics at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg Manitoba. Harry J. Huebner is professor of philosophy and theology Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg Manitoba Mark Thiessen Nation is associate professor of Theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary Harrisonburg VA.