The War of the Lamb: The Ethics of Nonviolence and Peacemaking (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: The War of the Lamb: The Ethics of Nonviolence and Peacemaking Sarah Freeman John Howard Yoder . The War of the Lamb: The Ethics of Nonviolence and Peacemaking, ed. Glen Stassen, Mark Thiessen Nation, and Matt Hamsher . Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos, 2009. Pp. 256. Paper, US $18.26. ISBN 978-1-5874-3260-6. The War of the Lamb by John Howard Yoder is a collection of essays, lectures, and notes compiled into book format, posthumously, by editors Glen Stassen, Mark Thiessen Nation, and Matt Hamsher. In many ways this book is Yoder’s final opportunity to clarify misreadings of his previous work and misunderstandings about pacifism, or as Yoder prefers, non-violent direct action. Using Yoder’s own outline for a next book, Stassen, Thiessen Nation, and Hamsher divide the collected material into three sections. Part 1, “Nonviolence,” begins by focusing on other theories of violence and argues that certain systems “explain,” “regulate,” “channel,” or “manage” violence (31). In contrast, the gospel is about overcoming violence (41). To support his argument, Yoder comprehensively refutes many of the traditional biblical arguments in support of war, and instead provides biblical and early Church examples in support of non-violent direct action. Yoder’s chapter “Jesus: A Model of Radical Political Action” is perhaps the most illuminating argument of this section. He contends that the lessons from the Sermon on the Mount “are not idealistic about human potential so much as they are realistic about divine power and about the substance of the divine intent” (78). He essentially shifts the focus from a supposedly ideal opinion of humanity to a realistic view of the power and love of God. Part 2, “The Dialogue with Just War,” facilitates a discussion between the just war tradition and non-violent direct action. Yoder develops two key arguments. First, the just war tradition and non-violent direct action are “pertinent to one another’s integrity” (85). Non-violent direct action disciplines just war theory by challenging just war theory to explore the meaning of last resort, including developing non-violent training programs. On the other hand, the just war tradition structures non-violent direct action. For example, the just war tradition challenges non-violent direct action to seriously consider the ramifications of “just intentions,” such as boycotts that “rupture the normal social flow” (90). Yoder’s second argument is that the just war theory needs to take itself more seriously. He states that the just war tradition is seldom effective throughout history and “has never been seriously respected by responsible decision makers” (113). For the just war theory to be employed, it needs to develop mechanisms for responding to unjust wars. Until there are viable initiatives for responding to an unjust war, the just war theory is not a practicable option (109). In part 3, “Effective Peacemaking Practices,” Yoder explores the contributions to peace theology from secular sources. These disciplines demonstrate that conflict is a [End Page 140] natural aspect of community and a “sign of life and growth,” resulting from encountering new people and new ideas (134, 139). He challenges churches not to avoid conflict but rather provides techniques for resolving conflict (142–145). He also addresses Christian actions in the broader society, arguing that Christians “be perfect,” loving both friend and enemy as God loves all (146–147). Christians should also refrain from assuming positions of rule, opting to act as servants (147). Finally, Christians engage in the war of the Lamb knowing that death is itself victory (147–148). He believes that the strength of this approach is that it avoids creating a dualism between the moral standards applied to Christians and the moral standards applied to non-Christians (148). Finally, part 3 provides a Christological argument for a liberating Christ, including a discussion of liberation theory. Yoder’s work is comprehensive and challenging and, despite evident shifts in writing style and intended audience, resulting from the diversity of the compiled sources, Yoder and the editors accomplish their goal of clarifying misconceptions concerning the pacifist position and provoking pacifists and those of the just war tradition to explore alternatives to violence. Ultimately, The War of the Lamb calls us all to action...