About Book

In A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence, David C. Cramer and Myles Werntz introduce readers to the broad, diverse, and living tradition of Christian nonviolence. Rather than treating it as a single doctrine, they map out multiple streams—prophetic witness, discipleship, political practice, community formation, and eschatological hope—that have shaped Christian witness to peace across centuries. The book highlights key thinkers, theologians, and activists who embody these approaches, helping readers understand both the theological grounding and practical implications of each. With accessible language and concise structure, it serves as both a primer and a reference for students, pastors, activists, and lay Christians discerning how to embody the gospel of peace in contemporary society.This work is particularly relevant in an era when Christianity is often portrayed as complicit in violence, nationalism, and division. By recovering and presenting strands of nonviolent witness, the authors remind communities of faith of their potential to embody peace in a fractured world. For community engagement, this book can be: • Integrated into church-based study groups or theological seminars. • Used by peace organizations and faith-based NGOs as a teaching resource. • Employed in interfaith dialogues to showcase Christian approaches to nonviolence alongside other traditions. • Incorporated into university and seminary curricula in courses on ethics, theology, and conflict resolution. A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence offers a valuable map of Christian peace traditions, balancing theological depth with accessibility. Its concise length makes it approachable for wide audiences, though it is not exhaustive. For activists and educators, it provides a ready reference; for faith communities, it offers encouragement and practical direction in embodying the gospel of peace. Strengths: • Clear structure dividing nonviolence into multiple interpretive streams. • Accessibility for both academic and lay audiences. • Provides a “field guide” orientation that is practical, not only theoretical. • Connects historical figures with present-day application. Weaknesses / Limitations: • At 160 pages, it is introductory rather than comprehensive. • Focused primarily on Christian contexts—less comparative dialogue with other traditions. • Readers seeking detailed case studies or strategic manuals may need supplementary readings. Compared with larger works on Christian pacifism (e.g., John Howard Yoder, Stanley Hauerwas), this guide is more accessible and entry-level. It is best seen as a gateway text, equipping readers to engage more deeply with primary sources and theological debates.