Peace Be With You:

Christ's Benediction Amid violent Empires

Is it the church’s role to sustain cultures and empires? Can the church both stand for justice and continue in the way of peace? This book offers proposals for those who want to carry forth Christ’s benediction of peace.

Authors of these 14 chapters, in order of appearance: Brian McLaren, Craig A. Carter, Sharon L. Baker, Andy Alexis-Baker, Derek Alan Woodard-Lehman, Ted Grimsrud, Richard T. Hughes, B. Keith Putt, James F. S. Amstutz, Anthony Siegrist, Jean F. Risley, David B. Miller, Reta Halteman Finger, Jonathan Sauder

“From a concrete story of a real congregation trying to be faithful among its neighbors to discussions of just policing, white superiority, and excommunication for refusal to forgive, this collection offers a worthwhile read for those who care about how Christian commitment to peace is lived out.” —Nancy Heisey, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Church History, Eastern Mennonite University

"Peace Be With You offers some soul-satisfying responses to empire. But equally as important, other essays offer needed critique of ways the peace church is drifting toward assimilation to American empire and the ways of empire.” —J. Denny Weaver, Co-Author; Defenseless Christianity

“Although the Christ-against-culture tone of several chapters in the volume may disappoint some, the call of other other chapters to imagine and tell the Jesus story in ways that make it far more compelling than the standard Constantinian narrative is very satisfying.” —Scott Holland, Professor of Theology & Culture and Director of Peace, Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary

“This volume captures not only the good news proclaimed in Christ’s benediction to his disciples but also the imagination of its contributors—who propose creative, inspiring, practical and prophetic ways to create a more peaceful planet. Let’s hope the contagion spreads.” —James E. Brenneman, President, Goshen College