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"My first
reaction on reading Defenseless Christianity
was, 'Them’s fightin’ words!' On further reflection, I’m gratefel for
the gift Weaver and Mast have offered by provocatively addressing a
host of issues in Anabaptist historiography and theology on behalf of
21st-century communities of Christ’s followers." "I've been reading
with
interest the important work being done by Denny Weaver and others on
violence in relation to our understandings of God, atonement, and
eschatology. I've also been watching, with joy, the growing rediscovery
of the nonviolent heritage of the Radical Reformation. So I
enthusiastically await the release of Defenseless
Christianity." "The
church today continues to significantly conform to the common sense of
our violent-prone world. Sadly, even some within the Anabaptist
tradition are backing away from the scandalous beauty of a commitment
to nonviolence. At the same time, there are multitudes of individuals
and movements scattered throughout the world who are discovering the
centrality of this beautiful foolishness and who are looking for an
ecclesial tradition to call home. In this light, the historical
exposition of the theme of nonviolence found in Defenseless Christianity
could not be more timely. "This book does not only
present the peaceful Anabaptist-Mennonite vision for the church but
issues a compelling call to faithful living." "Amid the prevalence of
violence in North American culture and society, Mast and Weaver not
only provide an articulate and faithful summary of the Anabaptist
witness for peace. They offer a persuasive, urgent, and provocative call
for all who follow the way of Jesus Christ to embrace the practice of
defenseless, nonviolent Christianity. Let the reader beware: the
dynamic nature of Christ's peace permeates this text—not as a position
to hold but a way of creative engagement and witness to God's
reconciling love for all creation." |
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