By Jim Forest. Published by Orbis Books 2016. Reviewed by Eleanor Capper RSJ 

The Cistercian monk, Thomas Merton 1915-1968, a man of prayer and inspiration for many, was also a man of dialogue, promoting peace between peoples and religions. He addressed the burning social issues of his day, particularly the threat of nuclear war, racial injustice and the war in Vietnam, which put him out of the mainstream of Catholic opinion of the time.

The author, Jim Forest, came to know and engage with Thomas Merton in the 1960s, through Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Community, and then through the emerging Catholic Peace Movement. Using correspondence and infrequent meetings, Forest traces Merton’s spiritual struggle as an advocate of peace, disarmament and nonviolence. Merton never felt at home with arguments trying to establish the ethical limits of violence. He preferred the Gospel centred on love of God and neighbour, with “neighbour” meaning whoever is standing in front of you — friend or foe.

I found this book compelling in the light of what is happening today. Yesterday’s “cold war” has evolved into today’s “war on terrorism”. What Merton wrote half a century ago remains timely. How can we be better peacemakers in today’s world? The book traces the evolving movement for peace during Merton’s lifetime and demonstrates the deep spiritual roots that culminate in a decision against using war as a way of settling international disputes.

Pope Francis, speaking before both Houses of Congress in Washington DC in September 2015, described Merton as one of four Americans he especially admired. And the Church is to re-examine the concept of a “just war” — and move away from it. As Pope Francis said: “You don’t stop an aggressor by being an aggressor. You don’t stop a conflict by inciting another conflict. You don’t stop a war by starting another war.”

I recommend this book for those appalled by the violence in our world today. It impels us to believe in the power of love. As Merton reiterates: “We must recognise that our being itself is grounded on love: that is to say that we come into being because we are loved and because we are meant to love others.”

Forest shows Merton as a peace-making monk challenging the rule of fear, a door-opener and guide to a more contemplative spirituality, one that emphasises that fear need not rule our lives.

Published in Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 210 November 2016: 32.