Overview

This marks the first English translation of renowned peace theologian Jean Lasserre’s seminal work on non-violence. With introductory remarks from Frédéric Rognon and the author’s daughter, Christiane Lasserre, this book provides English readers a window into a powerful, yet accessible, text on Christian ethics. In this classic essay, Lasserre turns to the problem of physical violence and murder, tackling it with a focus on morality and scripture. Writing in the aftermath of the Second World War and the Algerian War, Lasserre also deftly examines the ethics of military violence and warfare. The Church told men for years that one could be an honourable Christian and a solider; this book delves into the two opposing realities of this sentiment with a powerful case for pacifism.

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9780567714558

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Reviews

""Someone might pick this book up because of an awareness of Lasserre's role in bringing about a transformation in the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer regarding pacifism via the Sermon on the Mount. However, after one begins reading, one sees that this book is of immense inherent importance. For these are the mature reflections on Christians and violence by an active French Reformed pastor who gave a profound witness to shalom through a long, productive life. It is a wonderful gift to have these writings available in English."" --Mark Thiessen Nation, Eastern Mennonite University, USA. Author of ""Bonhoeffer the Assassin?"" and ""Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis"". ""Can a Christian glorify Jesus Christ with a weapon in his hand?"" Jean Lassere's life and work sought to answer this question under difficult conditions. His 1965 Christians and Violence, published now for the first time in English, invites English readers to become better acquainted with his fascinating and faithful story. A leading voice behind conscientious objection, an influence upon Bonhoeffer, Lasserre takes us through the biblical, traditional, and historical reasons that he and we should answer no. Read this book, share it widely, and listen to Lassere's prophetic witness. It matters as much now as in his own lifetime."" --D. Stephen Long, Southern Methodist University, USA ""Jean Lassere gave us a gospel of non-violence long before John Howard Yoder came along preaching peace. Long after Yoder's violence made a liar of his peace, Lassere's gospel still calls to us from the wilderness. Lassere saves us not only from Yoder's hypocrisy but the hypocrisy of any Christianity that would pair Jesus Christ with violence. Like many wilderness voices, Lassere's gospel was nearly forgotten. Until now. The publication of this translation returns to us a voice we desperately need to hear. The message offered is not easy, but it comes from God and it bears good news."" --Jonathan Tran, Baylor University, USA

Author Information

Jean Lasserre (1908-1983) was an internationally renowned pastor and peace theologian. He studied at the Protestant Faculty of Theology in Paris before studying at Union Theology Seminary in New York. It is here he met Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who came to share in Lasserre's ardent pacifist beliefs. They continued to communicate through illegal letters during the Second World War. After the war, Lassere set up his pastoral ministry in working class communities, where the main cause of his life was the fight for peace. His book The War and the Gospel (1953) laid the foundations of a theology of nonviolence. Steve Hickey is Faculty Chair of Christian Ministries at Alaskan Christian College, USA.

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