Jesus in Back Alleys

Schwartzentruber's autobiographical account of his forty-five years in ministry covers his personal journey through critical issues confronting the twentieth-century Mennonite church. Schwartzentruber recalls his transition from a rural bilingual community in Ontario to the housing projects of St. Louis, his years in denominational leadership, and his personal involvement as the overseer of Germantown Mennonite Church. Schwartzentruber's emotional involvement in the lives of particular people intersect his strong commitment to confronting prejudice and discrimination in their various forms both within and beyond the church. Whether confronting racism in a St. Louis church, weeping openly during the removal of Germantown due to its position on accepting homosexual people into membership, or sharing his poetic wrestling with God, Schwartzentruber connects his life experiences with an awareness of God walking with him and with the poor and the oppressed. (From my review in Mennonite Quarterly Review, July 2003)Especially pertinent are the author's clear commitment to God's call of social justice, especially as a challenge to racism and inclusion of gay and lesbian people in the church. His experience of God's love flowing through his congregations leads him to a radical inclusiveness that mirrors God's. Despite a generally amateur writing style, Schwartzentruber's experiences and passion compel readers to rethink what it truly means to be a Christian.