A Precarious PeaceYoderian Explorations on Theology, Knowledge, and Identity by Chris K. Huebner |
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"I believe that A Precarious Peace is a break through book. I simply do not see how the mainstream intellectual cultures, Christian and non-Christian, can ignore this book be relegating it, just as they have tried to relegate John Howard Yoder, to the Mennonite ghetto." - Stanley Hauerwas, Duke University, from the Foreword
A Precarious Peace poses a formidable challenge to mainstream accounts of Christian pacifism. In place of an approach which seeks effectively to implement and distribute a peace whose content is known in advance, Chris K. Huebner develops a radical understanding of peace that interrupts and puts into question many of our most deeply held convictions, including much of what is offered in the name of peace.
John Howard Yoder developed an understanding of "non-constantinianism" and a vision of Christian discipleship as involving a cultivation of a "readiness for radical reformation." This book explores the possibility of a specifically Mennonite theology, problems of knowledge, and questions of identity from a peaceable perspective of unpredictable gracious gifts given and received rather than a violent longing for possessions owned or territories protected.
This book presents an interpretation of Christian pacifism that turns upon the call to live out of control. Key conversation partners include Rowan Williams, John Milbank, Karl Barth, two Mennonite grandmothers, Canadian cinematographers, radical reformation, and most of all, John Howard Yoder.
"Chris K. Huebner displays John Howard Yoder's intent to cultivate the patience needed to keep dialogue alive, as he develops a trenchant theological critique of prevailing notions of freedom, culture, and interpretation. He shows the alternative path of self-criticism needed to liberate a world suffered by religious strategies intent on dominating." - David Burrell, University of Notre Dame
About the Author
Chris K. Huebner of Winnipeg, Manitoba, teaches theology and ethics at Canadian Mennonite University. Huebner earned his PhD in theology and ethics from Duke University in 2002. He has published a number of essays in academic journals and is editor of The Wisdom of the Cross: Essays in Honor of John Howard Yoder.