![Living Peace: A Spirituality of Contemplation and Action by [John Dear]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NP5YnB1gL.jpg)
https://smile.amazon.com/Living-Peace-Spirituality-Contemplation-Action/dp/0385498284/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
I learned so much from reading this book. I'm in awe of the experiences the author had in his 'career' as a social justice advocate. Of course, there is no doubt that his primary vocation is that of a priest, but that only makes his mission that much more inspiring.
Here's the review I put on Goodreads:
Extraordinary account of the author's life of promoting social justice and human rights.
He spoke to me on both a spiritual and a earthly level. He includes many practical suggestions for each of us to carry on the work of peace and his concluding chapter on hope gives me just that.
Some random quotes from the book that I found most profound:
Silence can be a doorway to the peace of God.
Authentic spirituality includes compassionate action.
All we have to do is let God love us. As we do we will be filled with a deep peace.
Forgiveness is an act of faith in God, and act of hope in the future and an act of love of our neighbors. If we dare forgive, we can trust that God will deepen within and among us the gift of peace.
How we view the world depends on where we stand. If we stand with the wealthy, we will contemplate the world from the heights of privilege and domination. If, however, we stand with those who are poor and marginalized, oppressed and persecuted, then we shall contemplate the world from the experience of suffering and injustice. From this bottom-up perspective, we have a better chance of glimpsing the world as God does.
The life of peace excludes no one. If we wish to live at peace with ourselves, we need to accept others for who they are. We need to learn to see every other person as our own beloved sister and brother.
To begin the work of creating a culture of inclusion we must first recognize that we live in a culture of exluusion. Early on we learn to label others as ‘outsiders,’ while seeking to make ourselves ‘insiders.’
People who embrace true peace welcome everyone.
How will we achieve and all-inclusive society? What would it look like? An inclusive society will value every human being, and create structures for everyone to realize the fullness of life and dignity and equality in freedom. It will educate everyone, from kindergarten through college. It will teach nonviolence to children and young adults.It will not support, uphold, or reward racism or sexism. Instead, it will dismantle institutionalized racism and sexism, make reparations, and rigorously promote equality and dignity for EVERYONE.
