Historical Committee

John Howard Yoder (1927-1997) Brief Biographical Sketch

John H. Yoder was a theologian, a prophetic champion of Christian pacifism, and an advocate for an Anabaptist-Mennonite theological perspective. He was known for his work in biblical scholarship, peace and historical theology, Christian social ethics and ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue. He resided in Elkhart, Indiana, and was a member of Prairie Street Mennonite Church.

1927 Born, December 29, Smithville, Ohio, to Howard C. and Ethel (Good) Yoder
1947 B. A., Goshen College
1949 Article "Caesar and the Meidung", Mennonite Quarterly Review, April 1949
1949 Went to France to do voluntary service of aid and relief under Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Later also helped with MCC relief work in Algeria
1952 Married Anne Marie Guth, July 12, in France. Had seven children.
1952 Participation in the Concern group, who published the pamphlet Concern.
1954 Doctoral Studies, Theological Faculty of Basel, Switzerland. Thesis was "Die Gespraeche zwischen Taeufern under Reformatoren" (The Discussion between Anabaptists and Reformers). Completed studies 1957.
1955 Participated in the Puidoux Conference, August 15-17, and subsequent conf.
1958 Began teaching at newly formed Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries
1960 Administrative Assistant to J. D. Graber at Mennonite Board of Missions, Elkhart, Indiana (half-time), until 1965
1962 Th. D. University of Basel, Switzerland
1965 Professor of Theology at Goshen Biblical Seminary / Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana, until 1984
1970 President of Goshen Biblical Seminary until 1973
1971 Nevertheless and The Original Revolution published
1972 The Politics of Jesus published
1970's Professor in Department of Theology at University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, until his death.
1997 Died, December 30, Elkhart, Indiana

From The John Howard Yoder Collection, Mennonite Church USA Archives--Goshen.

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