The Robe of God: Reconciliation, the Believers' Church Essential

Rating:
Summary: A challenging thought-provoking book
Review: This work of a seasoned Mennonite pastor-theologian provides a panorama of theological principles making the doctrine of reconciliation the keystone for all its contents. Augsburger contends that reconciliation in Christian theology must be reassessed continually to determine how it measures up to the biblical principles endowed by the Greatest of all Reconcilers--Jesus Christ. The book is a combination of a systematic and practical theology overview. Having been influenced by the 16th century Anabaptist theological matrix, and adding the contributions of major evangelical and Neo-orthodox theologians of the twentieth century, the author discusses theological rubrics in an orderly fashion. The major objectives of the book are: (1) to remind the theological world that the Anabaptist tradition has considerable contributions to the contemporary theological landscape, (2) to influence theological thinking in the global community, and (3) to remind the free-church movement of its core values. The author achieves his desired objectives. The style of writing moves along lines of a systematic theological treatise. On occasion, few incidents of the author's ministry experiences illustrate a point and illuminate the narrative. The title of the book is taken from the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:22: "The Father said, `Bring the best robe and put it on him.'" Esther Augsburger, the author's wife, an artist, has prepared a sculpture in which a God figure is robbing a kneeling "prodigal son" figure. It has given the author a symbol for the title and it adorns the cover of the book. Augsburger relies on the thought of major 16th century Anabaptist leaders as well as of Mennonite thinkers like the late John Howard Yoder. He elucidates with clarity some major responsibilities of the free-church tradition to the world Christian community. Augsburger shows his wide knowledge of theological discourse from many sources. One interesting perspective developed in chapter nine: "A community of the third way," seeks to plead for moderation among Christians. Evangelicals have moved too far to the right, even cooperating with the government which in Anabaptist thought is anathema. Mainliners have moved too far to the left of the theological and ethical spectrum. Augusburger pleads for a uniqueness that keeps the church away from identifying with the culture and opts for the stance of "progressive evangelicals" who endorse a third way. He suggests that the writings of Jacques Ellul, Lesslie Newbigin, Jim Wallis, Ron Sider and Walter Wink can be helpful in guiding the church of the twenty first century to be more distinct from the culture while at the same time planting the seed of uniqueness that 1 Peter 2:9-12 encourages. The author reaffirms basic Mennonite tenets like non-violence, pacifism, and compassionate mission. He devotes a chapter to mission. He is open to dialogue with other world religions in the Newbigin style, maintaining the exclusivity of Christianity. This writer resonates with the contents of the book. Ministering at the United Nations amid religious pluralism and in cooperation with many religious organizations seeking peace, upholding human rights, and related issues, one is encouraged by the concept of the church as "a community of the third way." The Mennonite Central Committee has significant benevolent, courageous and effective work in regions of the world where ethnic strife, war mongering, and violations of human rights are rampant. I am convinced that the commitment to reconciliation, "a third way" approach to church identity, and an updated missiology, is worthy of greater attention not only among believers of the free-church tradition but as well among believers of the mainline tradition. David F. D'Amico representative of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship at the United Nations, New York, since 1995 was former Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY (1989-1995), and Executive Director of the Metropolitan New York