Revolutionary Christianity

By John Howard Yoder

Book Description

In this thought-provoking exploration of faith and social transformation, theologian John Howard Yoder examines how authentic Christianity naturally challenges existing power structures and calls believers to radical discipleship. Drawing from his encounters with Latin American Christian communities, Yoder presents a vision of the church that refuses to retreat from the world's struggles while maintaining its commitment to nonviolent witness.

The book centers on three interconnected themes that define revolutionary Christian practice. Yoder explores the distinctive character of free church communities, examining how their structure and governance embody gospel principles. He then delves into the Christian commitment to peace, showing how this practice becomes a form of resistance against violence and oppression. Finally, he addresses the complex relationship between the church and revolutionary movements, arguing that faithful communities serve as both participants in and critics of social change.

Rather than offering easy answers, Yoder challenges readers to consider how genuine Christian faith inevitably puts believers at odds with systems of domination and injustice. He presents the peace-witnessing church as society's moral compass during times of upheaval, suggesting that communities committed to gospel values naturally become agents of transformation.

This work invites readers to reconsider what it means to follow Christ in a world marked by conflict and inequality, offering a framework for faithful engagement that neither withdraws from social realities nor compromises core spiritual principles.