In Part One, Egan traces the history of "justified warfare" up to our present century when peacemakers were finally heard in their call to return to the teaching of gospel nonviolence. In Part Two, she articulates the spirituality and theology of peace, drawing on the works of mercy, the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, the teachings of Vatican II and the American bishops, and the practice of contemporary peacemakers. She concludes by offering an extended reflection on the life and witness of Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker, who so exemplified the spirit and practice of peace for our time.
