To Be a Peacemaker

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In this book, Rodney Stark argues that many commonly held ideas about the Catholic Church are based on fiction rather than fact. He delves into various historical topics such as the Spanish Inquisition, anti-Semitism during World War II, the Dark Ages, the Crusades, and the Church's stance on science and slavery. Stark presents extensive research to debunk myths and provide a more accurate understanding of the Church's historical role, emphasizing the distinction between official Church teachings and the actions of individual Christians. The book aims to defend historical honesty rather than to apologize for the Church's actions.

In 'Peace Is Every Step,' Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that peace and happiness can be achieved in the present moment through mindfulness. The book highlights the importance of being awake and alive in the current moment, using mindfulness of breathing and awareness of daily acts to transform and heal difficult psychological states. It connects personal inner peace with peace on Earth, offering practical advice on creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony that can extend from the individual to the community and the world.

In 'Cherished Belonging,' Gregory Boyle calls back to Christianity’s origins as a subversive spiritual movement of equality, emancipation, and peace. The book emphasizes two core principles: everyone is unshakably good and we belong to each other. Boyle advocates for a new way of seeing the world through a lens of connection, kindness, and compassion. He argues that by cherishing and nurturing our connections, we can create safe and healing communities, even in the most divided times.