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John Howard Yoder first made waves with this book in 1972, this revised edition published in 1994 offers little new material from the original. He has simply attempted to update the survey of thought regarding the political ethics which are derived from the teachings of Christ. This lack of new material does not date or diminish from this work in anyway, in many ways it is even more controversial to religious political conservatives today.
Yoder explains and builds up an ethic for individuals and nations that spring out of the teachings of Christ as found in the Gospels. He uses the Gospels as the primary lens by which the rest of the New Testament and Church history are to be viewed. I believe that this is the right approach (although some of his conclusions venture onto shaky ground). You wouldn’t go to the Old Testament first reading the minor prophets and then using them to interpret the Torah! Nor should we start with the epistles (major or “minor”) and read them back onto the teachings of Jesus. Christ came first, he is the foundation, chief-cornerstone, therefore everything we believe should start with what he taught. Yoder does venture into the epistles and early church but only after constructing a solid ethical framework in the Gospels. Particularly helpful was chapter 10 which deals with capital punishment and Paul’s teaching in Romans 13. Yoder’s interpretation of “he who bears the sword” is both viable and consistent with the rest of the biblical witness.
This challenge to an ethic of “radical subordination” by Yoder is a strong confrontation to the modern religious conservative in America. It speaks of turning the other cheek, giving to the poor, saving life, living in peace, all in a very revolutionary way. Perhaps this is why it was less controversial in the 70’s!
This ethic centers on peace (pacificism) and social justice (care for the poor and stranger). These two thoughts are a far cry from the conservative religious leaders of our day. Where many evangelical leaders and ministers are calling for war, torture of terrorists and a cut of aid to those in need. According to them this is consistent with their religious convictions, it might be but I’m having a hard time finding that in the teachings of Christ.

Archbishop Romero understood James 4:14b-15 which says, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.’” Romero was a very reluctant leader in a largely ignored chapter of history, but his mark that he left in El Salvador, Latin America and in all Liberation Theology is indelible. Perhaps the reason for his effectiveness was the quiet surrender by which he lived his life. He understood that God alone is our source of strength, and that victory comes only to those who have admitted defeat.