Liberating the Politics of Jesus

Liberating the Politics of Jesus describes a renewal of Anabaptist theology through the perspective and wisdom of women. This volume offers a fresh interpretation of the social and political implications of the gospel message, drawing on the rich tradition of Anabaptist theology and practice for a new generation that is aware that gender justice and peace theology are inseparable. Contributors write from a wide range of theological disciplines and draw from years of experience in pastoral ministry with Mennonites from around the world. This book gives women the authority to interpret and reconstruct the peace church tradition on issues such as subordination, suffering, atonement, the nature of church, leadership, and discipleship. The result is a renewed Anabaptist peace theology with the potential to transform the work of theology and ministry in all Christian traditions. The vision of liberating the radical political ethic of Jesus Christ, as witnessed in the gospel, from its patriarchal distortions is the brainchild of the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Soto. Moderator to the Mennonite Church USA from 2013-2015, Soto has long imagined the creation of a constructive Anabaptist theology written by women, whose voices have been historically marginalized within her peace-church tradition. The innovative and ambitious nature of this approach, bringing together theologians / practitioners from several continents and multiple disciplinary perspectives, attests to the range of her vision and depth of her commitment to create a new space for this important conversation.