The first title of “Polyglossia,” a new radical reformation book series, was released at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion and Society for Biblical Literature (AAR/SBL) in Washington, DC, Nov. 18-22, 2006.
The series editors include Peter Dula, assistant professor in the Bible and religion department at Eastern Mennonite University. Others are Chris K. Huebner of Canadian Mennonite University, Waterloo, Ont., and J. Alexander Sider of Bluffton (OH) University.
The new series is intended for conversation among academics, ministers and laypersons regarding knowledge, beliefs and the practices of the Christian faith. The editors noted that “Polyglossia” grows out of John Howard Yoder’s call to see radical reformation as a tone, style or a stance.
“Polyglossia” series editors (l. to r.): J. Alexander Sider, Peter Dula and Chris K. Huebner.
Dr. Yoder (1927-1997) taught ethics and theology as a professor at Notre Dame University and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind. Widely sought around the world as a theological educator, ethicist, and interpreter of biblical pacifism, he is best known for his study on “The Politics of Jesus.”
“Mennonite thinkers, not just in theology, have been doing some very creative, interesting work in conversation with disciplines that have often been under-utilized,” said Dr. Dula. “We hope that ‘Polyglossia’ makes that work available to students, pastors and others in churches throughout North America and beyond.”
The publisher, Herald Press, and the editors welcome titles that emerge out of conversations with contemporary movements in theology, as well as philosophy, literature, political theory and cultural studies. The first title is by Huebner – “A Precarious Peace: Yoderian Explorations on Theology, Knowledge, and Identity.”
Gayle Gerber Koontz of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary said the editors “are from an emerging new generation of Mennonite scholars, well-prepared to encourage and evaluate the little-developed conversation between Mennonite thought and contemporary currents in theology, philosophy and cultural studies.”
Ron Rempel of Mennonite Publishing Network said: “As the publisher for a series of books by John Howard Yoder, we’re pleased to announce the launch of a new series featuring theologians currently developing some of the themes arising out of Yoder’s seminal work.”
Chris Huebner noted that the intent is “to move beyond liberal and conservative, established and sectarian” categories” and “chart a theological path that is faithful to the call to live without having to control our world or that of those around us.”
More information on the Polyglossia series is available from Herald Press, info@mph.org, or from the editors.