The Essential Dale Suderman Reader draws from essays, correspondence, personal journals, and newspaper columns written by one of the most dynamic Mennonite thinkers of his generation. A Kansas native, Suderman served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam during the Tet offensive and returned to the United States a committed peace activist. His voice embodies both gonzo journalist wit and comic gravitas. He saw the world as a country boy and then embraced his Chicago citizenship. He would boldly affirm his Christian faith and gay identity. To read him is to travel the terrain of war, social class, men's studies, addiction, urban street life, and political engagement. Running through it all is ringing affirmation of friendship as the cardinal virtue, and of the timeless pleasures of conversation and introspection. This volume will introduce new readers to one of the enduring and unique voices in the American Anabaptist tradition. It is essential reading for pastors, educators, therapists, addictions counselors, and peace activists. It includes eight essays by some of his closest colleagues, who grapple with the meaning of his life and achievement: Keith Harder, Elva Suderman, John Kampen, Ben Hartley, Tim Nafziger, Ruth Harder, Clint Stucky, and Delbert Wiens.
