Anabaptism and Reformation in Switzerland: An Historical and Theological Analysis of the Dialogues Between Anabaptists and Reformers

NOTE: In troubling contrast to his work, we know that John Howard Yoder’s life was seriously flawed by acts of sexual violence against many women. Although his writings on nonviolence continue to be influential, we acknowledge that Yoder was, ironically and tragically, perpetuating violence, over many decades, in his private life. No reading or interpretation of Yoder can be done faithfully without understanding the extensive harmful legacy he has also left.

For more information, see Rachel Waltner Goossen’s research, published in Mennonite Quarterly Review, entitled “Defanging the Beast”.

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Available for the first time in English, John Howard Yoder's study provides a unique perspective on Anabaptist origins. In the course of his historical investigation into the dialogues between the earliest Anabaptists and the Swiss Reformers, Yoder uncovers the issues that would emerge fully in his later work as a theologian and ethicist. This is required reading for those who wish to understand the historical origin and evolution of John Howard Yoder's thought.