Craig A. Carter, The Politics of the Cross: The Theology and Social Ethics of John Howard Yoder. Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2001.
Reviewed by Paul N. Alexander, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof, Bible & Theology, Southwestern University, Waxahachie, Texas
Craig Carter has done a great service by presenting such a well written analysis of the work of one of the most significant theologians of the twentieth century, John Howard Yoder. He places Yoder in his historical and ecumenical context, astutely showing his kinship with Karl Barth, his recovery of the Anabaptist vision, and his ability to dialogue with and challenge the broader church world to be faithful to their confessions about Jesus Christ the Lord. Carter takes argues that Yoder must be taken seriously because he is orthodox in his theology; and that his narrative, postliberal Christology is the source for a social ethics that can empower the church to be the church. Carter then explains how Yoderâs partially-realized eschatology is the context and his believers church ecclesiology is the shape of his social ethics. This includes excellent chapters on the heresy of Constantinianism, the social witness of the church, and a conclusion that summarizes the kind of social ethicist Yoder was. Carterâs critical yet supportive treatment of Yoder is a first-rate introduction to his thought if one has not read any of Yoderâs own work, and a very enjoyable read for those who have.
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