Consistently Pro-Life

"Many have noted that in our 'time between the times' we have much to learn from the ecumenical consensus in the early church. Others have called us to attend to the 'ancient-future' practices of the church for a revitalization of current Christian worship. Some have even reminded us that grace and good works cannot, according to the early church, be separated. However, almost no one has reminded us as clearly as has Rob Arner, in this compelling and wonderfully written book, that if we are to be true to the substance of the teachings of the Ancient Church, true to the Spirit by which it was animated, then we must recover their commitment to a Consistently Pro-Life theological ethic."

--Mark Thiessen Nation

Eastern Mennonite Seminary



"Consistently Pro-Life presents a well-argued, well-documented case for the view that the early church before Constantine opposed all killing of human beings. It also clearly connects the thinking of the early church with our contemporary debates about abortion, capital punishment, and war. Just War advocates will object at some points, but Arner provides data and a thesis that cannot be ignored."

--Ronald J. Sider

President, Evangelicals for Social Action



"Rob Arner offers an important new approach to the issue of Christian participation in violence through a striking combination of contemporary and historical study . . . I personally have become convinced that followers of Christ give up their sacred birthright when they walk away from the radical nonviolence of Christ and his earliest followers. Arner's very important book will help many reach the same conclusion."

--David P. Gushee

Mercer University