The Root of War is Fear Thomas Merton's Advice to Peacemakers

Merton's witness for peace is more urgent than ever in a world becoming rapidly more insane and feverishly impatient. His analysis of the cost of war not only to lives but to minds and imaginations, to the integrity of whole societies, is still unsurpassed. In this vivid and compelling book, Jim Forest who has already contributed so much to our understanding of Merton weaves together a comprehensive reading of Merton's own thinking with personal testimony and reflection. A book of enormous richness and serious challenge.

When Dorothy Day handed her young co-worker, Jim Forest, a letter from Thomas Merton and asked him to answer it, a transforming journey began. The monk and the activist bonded in a profound correspondence and friendship. Its latest fruit is Jim's beautiful exploration of his friend Tom's passion for peacemaking and the abolition of an evil, war, before it abolishes us. Forest goes to the heart of Merton's understanding of our fearful predicament. May we have the courage to go with them into the light.

A truly splendid book....The author skillfully, honestly, and humbly draws the reader into her or his own struggle to deal with fear and God's call to live as an authentic Christian in this era of rampant hopelessness and barbarity....A treasure to keep, share among friends and leaders, and, if possible, use in classrooms and book groups everywhere. The book is that good and that important in our world today.