American Catholic Pacifism

This collection of mostly original essays by scholars and Catholic Worker activists provides a systematic, analytical study of the emergence and nature of pacifism in the largest single denomination in the United States: Roman Catholicism. The collection underscores the pivotal role of Dorothy Day's Catholic Worker movement in challenging the conventional understanding of just-war principles and the American Catholic Church's identification with uncritical militarism. Also included are a study of Dorothy Day's preconversion pacifism, previously unpublished letters from Dorothy Day to Thomas Merton, Eileen Egan's account of the birth and early years of Pax, the Catholic Worker-inspired peace organization, and in-depth coverage of how the contemporary Plowshares movement emerged from the Catholic Worker movement.

Studies the Catholic Worker peace movement, led by Dorothy Day, in the United States.

Booknews

This collection of 12 essays by scholars and Catholic Worker activists underscores the pivotal role of Dorothy Day's Catholic Worker movement in challenging the Catholic Church, once linked to unquestioning American militarism, to assert its prophetic pacifist voice. Previously unpublished letters of Dorothy Day to Thomas Merton are included, as is coverage of how the contemporary Plowshares movement emerged from the Catholic Worker. The authors analyze the theological and spiritual roots of Catholic pacifism and interpret Catholic pacifism during periods of crisis. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

ANNE KLEJMENT is Professor of History at the University of St. Thomas.

NANCY L. ROBERTS is Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota.