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Just Peacemakers.


JUST PEACEMAKERS This article is about the pacifist organization. For other meanings, see Peacemaker (disambiguation).
Peacemakers was an American pacifist organization.
 Mary Mary, the mother of Jesus
Mary, in the Bible, mother of Jesus. Christian tradition reckons her the principal saint, naming her variously the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady, and Mother of God (Gr., theotokos). Her name is the Hebrew Miriam.
 Evelyn Jegen (Paulist, 2006)

Sister Mary Evelyn Jegen, S.N.D. writes with the wisdom of a woman who has been involved in peace and justice work for years. In her newest book, Just Peacemakers: An Introduction to Peace and Justice, she makes the case that working for peace is not only a part of our gospel call but an imperative for what it means to be Christian. By defining discipleship dis·ci·ple  
n.
1.
a. One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.

b. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.

2.
 and making comparisons between the Eucharist and social action, Jegen sets the framework for a commitment to peace and justice.

Jegen then spends time defining nonviolence as a movement unto un·to  
prep.
1. To.

2. Until: a fast unto death.

3. By: a place unto itself, quite unlike its surroundings.
 itself and not simply the opposite of violence. She does a thorough job of laying out the development of the nonviolent movement in the church. Drawing on the U.S. bishops' 1983 letter The Challenge of Peace and their 10th anniversary followup letter, The Harvest of Justice is Sown sown  
v.
A past participle of sow1.

Adj. 1. sown - sprinkled with seed; "a seeded lawn"
seeded

planted - set in the soil for growth
 in Peace, Jegen shows the movement as presenting "nonviolence as a morally praiseworthy praise·wor·thy  
adj. praise·wor·thi·er, praise·wor·thi·est
Meriting praise; highly commendable.



praise
 position for individuals" to positioning nonviolence as central to Catholic social thought for individuals and institutions.

The final half of the book discusses ways to learn effective social action and suggests methods of social change. She offers "seven ways to work for justice and peace ... which correspond to various personality types and preferred ways of working." This is an excellent chapter because people with a commitment to social action often feel their gifts are not enough. In highlighting these seven ways Jegen opens up the playing field and allows everyone to find a method that works.

On the whole, the book offers valuable suggestions for incorporating social action into one's life, although at times it would have been good to hear more of her own life story. Some call for transforming ourselves through practices such as "benevolent be·nev·o·lent  
adj.
1. Characterized by or suggestive of doing good.

2. Of, concerned with, or organized for the benefit of charity.
 glancing ... a conscious effort to look with love on each person." Other more complex suggestions will help individuals or communities hoping to work together for peace.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Claretian Publications
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2006, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Author:Zaker, Christina
Publication:U.S. Catholic
Article Type:Book review
Date:Apr 1, 2006
Words:329
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