To Hear the Word

Description:Of very few people can it be legitimately said that their work fundamentally reconfigured the landscape of two theological disciplines. But if there is anyone in recent memory who would be worthy of such an accolade, it is John Howard Yoder. The two disciplines are, of course, theological ethics and biblical studies--though Yoder would cringe at their separation, and his work was both explicitly and implicitly a prolonged exercise in maintaining their indissoluble union. For him, to hear the word rightly was to do the word publicly. . . . [Yoder] guides us toward a truly ecclesial yet missional reading of Scripture, with a profoundly Anabaptist yet ecumenical and catholic spirit, in historically astute and literarily sensitive ways that are nonetheless straightforward and pastoral. Or, as he would himself say, he guides us toward a reading of Scripture that proceeds from and focuses on Jesus: Vicit Agnus Noster, Eum Sequamur; 'Our Lamb has conquered; let us follow him.'--from the foreword by Michael J. GormanEndorsements:Yoder's biblical exposition, perhaps more than his work in either ethics or history, inspired a whole generation to re-engage 'Word and World.' I, like so many others, am grateful and indebted. This volume gives us unique insights into Yoder's integral approach to reading scripture, which remains instructive, compelling and fruitful.--Ched Myers, Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries and author of Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark's Story of JesusFor anyone interested in theological interpretation of Scripture, this book is a welcome event. This updated version of To Hear the Word brings together a compelling collection of John Howard Yoder's many writings on biblical interpretation and theology. Those engaged in current discussions about how to interpret and embody Scripture in the church will find that on many of the most pressing issues in the current debates, Yoder has already engaged the issues in provocative and challenging ways. It only sharpens our sorrow that his voice has been lost.--Stephen E. Fowlauthor of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (Cascade 2009)About the Contributor(s):John Howard Yoder (1927-1997) earned his PhD from the University of Basel and taught theology at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries and the University of Notre Dame. For nineteen years he served the Mennonite Fellowship in church relations and education. His published books include The Politics of Jesus, The Priestly Kingdom, To Hear the Word, When War Is Unjust, What Would You Do?, and He Came Preaching Peace.