Summary
In "The Politics of Jesus," John Howard Yoder challenges the traditional Christian view of a Savior detached from governmental concerns, instead presenting Jesus as deeply engaged with politics, power, status, and right relations. Yoder meticulously examines Luke's Gospel, arguing that Jesus' life, ministry, and teachings consistently point to a specific form of Christian pacifism where the cross embodies Christian social efficacy.
Yoder begins by dissecting the common arguments that dismiss Jesus' relevance to social ethics, such as the claim that his teachings were meant for a short-lived "interim" period or that his radical personalism is inapplicable to complex societal structures. He counters these arguments by highlighting the revolutionary nature of Mary's Magnificat and John the Baptist's pronouncements, which foreshadow a Messiah who brings radical social change. Yoder also analyzes Jesus' temptation in the desert, revealing the political dimensions of the choices presented to Jesus.
The book delves into Jesus' Nazareth sermon, emphasizing its social and economic implications, particularly the concept of Jubilee. Yoder explores how Jesus' actions, such as forming a community of disciples and cleansing the temple, directly challenged the existing social and political order. He examines the cost of discipleship, highlighting the conflict between Jesus' teachings and societal norms.
Yoder addresses the classic interpretations of Romans 13, questioning the idea of a divinely instituted government and the Christian's obligation to participate in state-sanctioned violence. He presents an alternative understanding of Romans 12 and 13, emphasizing nonresistance, love, and the transformative power of the Christian community. The book underscores that the revolutionary nature of Jesus' message lies in its call for a new humanity marked by servanthood and voluntary subordination rather than domination and power.
This second edition extends the discussion by incorporating recent scholarship that supports Yoder's original insights. New epilogues summarize research conducted since 1972, further validating the book's central themes. Ultimately, "The Politics of Jesus" invites Christians to reconsider the relationship between faith and political action, urging a commitment to the radical, transformative message of Jesus in the face of societal challenges.