Monday, May 14, 2012

A Persistent Peace, One Man's Struggle for a Non Violent World by John Dear, SJ


A Persistent Peace, One Man’s Struggle For A Non Violent World, by John Dear, SJ.

This powerful autobiography of a nationally known peace activist is the amazing story of what one man is doing to put into action his belief in the power of peace and the possibility of a world where peace and love conquer war and hatred.  John Dear has been arrested more than 75 times, has spent more than a year in prison for his persistent message of peaceful non-violence, and is persevering in this mission despite the anger and indifference he has continually encountered.

As a young man he was an accomplished pianist, and at one time dreamed of becoming a rock star. But when he recognized the call to the priesthood and to the Jesuits, and to a lifetime commitment to peace and justice, he continued this calling with amazing courage,   both moral and physical. Inspired primarily by the example of Mahatma Gandhi, and also by that of   Dr,. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy, Dan and Phil Berrigan, Oscar Romero, Mother Theresa, Dorothy Day, and many other champions of peace and non-violence, and strengthened by his own deep spirituality and convictions, keep him on the quest for peace.

In time he protested the wars in the Gulf, in Vietnam and Iraq, The U.S. support of brutal regimes in Central America, civil war in North Ireland, the building and use of nuclear arms, and anything anywhere in the world that is contrary to peace. He is author/editor of 20 books on peace and non-violence, speaks to huge crowds, has often participated in acts of civil disobedience, -- and has done an incredible amount of pro-peace actions. He ends his story with acknowledgments of and gratitude to countless friends and supporters and dedicates his life and this book to the non-violent Jesus of Nazareth! He hails the coming of a world without poverty,  war or nuclear weapons. The book is inspiring and has a powerful message.

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