Comments on: 7 Broken Men: John Howard Yoder

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 22:22:05 +0000

I was recently assigned a book in my DMin program that uses a lot of Yoder. I stumbled on your blog post although I’ve been following you on social media for a year or so. I only started my DMin this semester and it’s been 20 years since I’ve gone to seminary. I am struggling to read this book even though he certainly has good thoughts. I feel sick when I’m reading it. As someone who’s experienced trauma from men in the church….isn’t there anyone else we can read? Could you give me some good alternatives to Yoder?

By: Aaron Chambers

Aaron Chambers — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 13:30:02 +0000

A A Allen would have been a good addition to this list.

By: Simon Hattrell

Simon Hattrell — Tue, 01 May 2018 20:45:35 +0000

In reply to Alan Hirsch. Thanks Mike for this series of posts. Yoder has caused a lot of anguish and heartsearching especially amongst his peers who like you embraced his seminal works like tbe politics of Jesus. Alan Barth's situation as far as Charlotte von Kirsch aum was concerned was a lot more nuanced. Recent statements from tbe family bear this out.

By: Michael Knight

Michael Knight — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 07:29:53 +0000

Thanks Mike for this series. I’ve appreciated the range of men & how you described their stories. I was just listening to a favourite singer & a song of his ‘men of a certain age’ where he penned;

Men of a certain age are weary,
Everything rolls along.
Nothing has changed for thirty years now,
It’s still the same old song.
Apathy for your anger,
Compromise replaced your rage
Things you once stood for
Now you stay seated,
Men of a certain age.

Men of a certain age are grumpy,
Nothing has turned out right.
All of those things you hoped to accomplish
Seem to be set aside.
Where is that great adventure?
How can I turn the page?
Rub it all out and start it over,
Men of a certain age?

But who told you to quit?
Who said to step down,
Who said to stop running?
Who said that time had been called on your day?
Who said the anointing had been taken away?
The battle is won, the kingdom is come,
It’s time to start running.
So pick up that baton and get back in the race –
Men of a certain age.

Men of certain age are heroes,
At least in their children’s eyes.
Standing for what they once believed in,
No hint of compromise.
Running the race with patience,
Until their final day,
Faithful in every word and deed,
You men of a certain age.

By: Hamo

Hamo — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 11:17:46 +0000

Great series Mike – enjoyed it very much

By: Angelo Giovas

Angelo Giovas — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 08:14:26 +0000

In reply to Gus Row.

“God used” does not mean God approved, either now or into the future.
There are many instances of God using people He didn’t approve of, and who we are told would be judged in Scripture.
God can bring good from anything but that doesn’t mean everything is good.
We do well to keep the two distinct.

By: Suzie Reeves

Suzie Reeves — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 05:59:08 +0000

I’ve enjoyed the series and appreciate the direction you have taken with this. Intruiging for the mind and a challenge for the gut!
In my experience in Christian leadership circles, I have worked under, over and alongside many broken people. Some of the greatest damage done in my heart and spirit have been a result of more benign and subtle sin of those who had influence over me, such as the monster that is pride. I certainly won’t be one to belittle sexual sin. I’ve been a victim of sexual assault and the effects are life altering. At the same time, the damage done by the subversive sin of prideful men have contributed in a big way to an unraveling and rewinding of my own walk as a Christ-follower and leader in the church. I am still working, with the help of God’s spirit, to rebuild…er, actually, to construct anew…but my point is, there can be unspeakable and unadmitted damage done to others through less publicly offensive sins. Let’s not any of us rest on the laurels of our ranked sin – and all be thankful that grace allows any of us to be powerful voices in the world on Christ’s behalf.
Thanks for this thought provoking series and the opportunity to share with your community of readers!

By: Mike Frost

Mike Frost — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 04:45:53 +0000

In reply to Sandra Webb. You'd like to think you get kinder and wiser as you grow older, but for many it's not the case. Sorry you had to put up with that.

By: Sandra Webb

Sandra Webb — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 04:31:39 +0000

An interesting addition to this discussion arose just this morning when I arrived at an aged care residence in the country. Two men were by the door so I greeted them as I went past and then as I turned the corner I overheard “shagging her would be nice”. I then had to proceed to a room of elderly people who were faithfully attending worship carrying these disgusting words in my head as I began to remind the people of Gods love for them. It seems that there is no safety from this anywhere.
I am now pondering as to whether I should have gone back and said something or it was better left. If I had more time I think I would have spoken to the man who seemed oblivious to the fact that I am not his to do what he wants with. Dirty old man comes to mind as it has been with our discussion.

By: Mike Frost

Mike Frost — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 04:07:25 +0000

In reply to Gus Row. Well, whether you buy my "used by God" language, we can at least say they influenced a great many people to do good things inspired by their faith in God.