Radical Ecumenicity - 9780891120421

Since the earliest days of the Christian Church, those who practice Christian faith have struggled with questions of unity and discord. In response to the piling up of traditions that exclude instead of unite, many have sought to strip away constructed traditions and come together around a simple New Testament agenda. Theologian John Howard Yoder recognized the limitations of such approaches and instead advocated unity across particular traditions by way of robust and patient dialogue. Yoder's work thus exhibits an ecumenical posture that is radical in its appeal to deep Christian roots, its attention to history, and its tenacious dialogical spirit

In the Spring of 2009, a group of scholars, ministers, and laypersons---most of them associated with the Stone-Campbell Movement---gathered to discuss the significance of Yoder's work. RADICAL ECUMENICITY brings together six papers from this gathering, including work by leading Yoder scholars Mark Thiessen Nation (Eastern Mennonite Seminary), Gayle Gerber Koontz (Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary), and Craig A. Carter (Tyndale University College and Seminary). The book also includes essays by two additional scholars and two of Yoder's own lesser-known essays

"A thoroughly engaging collection. You'll finish these essays not only wanting to read more Yoder but also caring more passionately about the concerns to which Yoder doggedly committed his life: standing in faithful continuity with the church catholic and fostering an honest and robust ecumenism. A wonderful example of first-rate scholarship and theological reflection in service of the church."---Philip D. Kenneson, Milligan College, author of Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community

"The authors in this volume raise important questions about the possibilities and limitations of Yoder's theological legacy. I highly recommend this book to those seeking to understand Yoder's contributions to ecclesiology, as well as the ecumenical challenges of the 21st century."---Michael G. Cartwright, dean for Ecumenical & Interfaith Programs, University of Indianapolis