|
|
Y - Past Witnesses
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us -Hebrews 12:1
|
|
Y - Past Witnesses |
John Howard Yoder |
Sarah Young |
==john howard yoder======
John Howard Yoder
John Howard Yoder (December 29, 1927 – December 30, 1997) was an American Mennonite theologian and ethicist best known for his defense of Christian pacifism. His most influential book was The Politics of Jesus, which was first published in 1972. Yoder was a Mennonite and wrote from an Anabaptist perspective. He spent the latter part of his career teaching at the University of Notre Dame. In 1992, media reports emerged that Yoder had sexually abused women in preceding decades, with as many as over 50 complainants. The Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary acknowledged in a statement from 2014 that sexual abuse had taken place and it had been tolerated partly because he was the leading Mennonite theologian of his day and partly because there were not the safeguards in place that there are today.
June 25, 2025: National Catholic registry reported: Allegations of sexual harassment against John Howard Yoder extend to Notre Dame. When John Howard Yoder became a full-time professor exclusively at the University of Notre Dame in 1984, he gave a significant boost to the school's theology department. He brought with him international acclaim as a Mennonite theologian, scholar, ethicist and pacifist. He also brought with him a long history of predatory behavior toward women, especially young female students, described as his "experiments."
January 19, 2023: Grunge reported: Disturbing Details About John Howard Yoder's Sexual Abuse Scandal. Mennonite theologian John Howard Yoder, who died on December 30, 1997, was known throughout his lifetime for his unique perspectives on organized religion and the church's place in the community. As reported by The New York Times, Yoder specifically promoted nonviolence and pacifism. He also had a unique perspective on how religious organizations should or should not influence society as a whole, and he strongly believed everyone should embrace forgiveness, pacifism, and self-sacrificing love....Although Yoder had a great number of accomplishments in his lifetime and was well-known and revered among Mennonites and other Christians, allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse ultimately overshadowed all of his achievements. National Catholic Reporter reports allegations of Yoder's sexual misconduct spanned several decades. However, the allegations were seemingly swept under the rug until the early 1990s, when several victims came forward to expose his predatory behavior publicly.
July 17, 2023: Anxious Bench: Church-Hopping in Texas
We did this, even though my partner and I have had our fair share of awkward July 4th celebrations. During our undergrad days at Southwestern Assemblies of God, in Waxahachie, Texas, we were proselytized into a peace witness by a young ethics professor who had read a lot of John Howard Yoder and Stanley Hauerwas. During the early aughts, (the years we were active in Pentecostals for Peace and Justice,) we refused to do nationalistic things in church–most especially for July 4th. We sat when others stood. We stood but didn’t sing, and so forth. We’ve never figured out how to negotiate July 4th church services. We just always feel awkward.
We did this, even though my partner and I have had our fair share of awkward July 4th celebrations. During our undergrad days at Southwestern Assemblies of God, in Waxahachie, Texas, we were proselytized into a peace witness by a young ethics professor who had read a lot of John Howard Yoder and Stanley Hauerwas. During the early aughts, (the years we were active in Pentecostals for Peace and Justice,) we refused to do nationalistic things in church–most especially for July 4th. We sat when others stood. We stood but didn’t sing, and so forth. We’ve never figured out how to negotiate July 4th church services. We just always feel awkward.
==sarah young======
Sarah Young
Sarah Young (1946–2023) was a bestselling American Christian author and missionary best known for her globally popular daily devotional, Jesus Calling. Written in the first-person perspective as if Jesus Christ is speaking directly to the reader, her books have sold over 45 million copies worldwide. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Young earned degrees from Wellesley College, Tufts University, Covenant Theological Seminary, and Georgia State University. Alongside her husband, Steve, she spent nearly 30 years serving as a missionary in Japan and Australia, where they planted churches and provided counseling. While living as a missionary and battling severe, chronic health issues (including Lyme disease), Young began keeping a prayer journal to cope with her struggles. She combined scripture with contemplative listening practices, writing down messages that she felt God was laying on her heart. The Book: Published in 2004, Jesus Calling became a massive success and launched an entire franchise of spin-offs, including Jesus Always, Jesus Today, and Jesus Listens. Impact & Reach: Her books have been translated into over 35 languages, providing comfort, peace, and encouragement to millions.Passing and LegacySarah Young passed away on August 31, 2023, at the age of 77 in Brentwood, Tennessee. Her legacy continues through her enduring books and the continuation of the Jesus Calling brand, which spans daily devotionals, children's books, a podcast, and television segments