Beautiful upon the Mountains

"The Peace Church tradition, here represented by Mennonites, has for a long time presented an alternative, subversive reading of Scripture that has served an alternative, subversive way in the world. The present volume continues that alternative reading with force and imagination in a most remarkable way. The contextual point for readers is the imperial militarism of the U.S., especially in its 'crusade' against Muslims. The book, however, is not quarrelsome or given to championing any cause. Rather, it offers superb biblical interpretation of specific texts, interpretation made accessible and designed to feed and nurture a peaceable imagination. I learned in important ways from these fresh readings of the text; I anticipate other readers will learn afresh as well."

--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, Emeritus



"These insightful essays build a careful exegetical case that the coming of God's reign calls us to participate in the mission of proclaiming shalom. By tracing this theme through the diverse individual witnesses in the

canon, this volume illumines the unity of biblical theology and rebuts claims that the Bible underwrites violence. By reminding us that peace stands at the heart of the gospel, it serves as a prophetic summons to the church in our time."

--Richard B. Hays, The Divinity School, Duke University



"Anabaptist biblical scholarship has led the way in the late twentieth century in creative and challenging analysis of issues related to peacemaking. Beautiful upon the Mountains is a major contribution to this tradition. Here Anabaptist scholars interact with contemporary scholarship at all levels, entering into debates on biblical texts. The authors establish not only that themes of peace and mission exist in a clear and fascinating relationship but also that we can no longer think of peace in the Bible without

discussing mission in its Hebrew and its early Christian varieties."

--Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, Loyola Marymount University