Peace Be With You by David Carlson: A Review

Peace Be With You by David Carlson is a multidimensional book. It is at the same time a reflection on how we react / deal with terrorism, an apology for monastic life, and a biographical look at how one person came to terms with 9/11 in his own life.


At first blush, the main point of the book, forgiveness as a reaction to terrorism, is rather simplistic and perhaps pie-in-the-sky for all of us who consider the effect of terrorism, and the 9/11 event specifically, in our lives. Appealing to monks and nuns for a proper stance in our everyday work life seems naïve. However, there is an eternal truth that is at the heart of the book. If you accept Jesus’ teachings as a rule of life, there is no escaping that this is the path that He demands. Also, there is great wisdom (in my limited understanding) to the idea that darkness cannot overcome darkness: only light can. And that light comes with a conscious decision to forgive. This does not mean that we become a doormat on which any terrorist can walk. Instead, it is a decision that we do not let the pain and anger that come from terrorism control our thoughts and actions and reactions.

I read this book in the days surrounding the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 events, and images on TV reminded me of our country’s reactions to the attacks. Very little was said about understanding why we were attacked, but instead, a commitment to vengeance. Understanding might or might not have led us in another direction, but I believe it might have helped heal wounds quicker. I still don’t think most of us have a clear understanding of the history of the animosity between the radical groups behind the attacks and ourselves.

Carlson shares his journey of understanding and forgiving, which took detours through depression as he readily shares with readers. The personal journey gives credence to the path he suggests. The wisdom of the monks and nuns which is perhaps dismissed by many, helped enlighten the path Carlson took, and which he suggests to the reader as well.

Max on Life

 I have read a few books by Max Lucado. I enjoy his simple, straightforward and often humorous manner of writing. This book continues my enjoyment of Max' insights. It is a collection of his responses to letters he has received over time. This makes it easy to read a minute or two if you're pressed for time, or longer periods when you can tackle a series of topics. The topics, coming as they do from real people, feel real themselves. While I might not be worried about "Does God allow war?" I might be interested in a reflection on what to do when "groups in a Church compete and bicker and fight." The point is, whether you agree with his answers, he makes you think about a lot of good questions: questions that are on people's minds.

In Constant Prayer, by Robert Benson

When I first became aware of the book, I was attracted to what I thought it was going to be about. I had thought it would be an exhortation and advice on the concept of praying always, as St. Paul urges. I had hoped that it would inspire me to redouble my efforts and perhaps help me learn new ways and means to pray. Make it an even greater part of my everyday life. Take time from my schedule for my relationship with God. Instead, the book is about the Liturgy of the Hours, or Divine Office. I have prayed the Office for years, although mainly Morning Prayer and only on occasion. I do love the rhythm that The Office offers, and the fact that it opens up the Psalms to be prayed when I might not otherwise pay attention to them. And then there is the discipline. Benson offers a quote from a friend: "the three greatest obstacles to the spiritual life are inertia, amnesia and manana." The Office, done in community, gives greater motivation to be faithful to prayer, similar to how the Anonymous groups keep a recovering person the support and structure s/he needs to keep on his/her journey. I know I need to be similarly supported on my journey. So, even though the book was not what I was anticipating, this does not take away from its value. It makes a strong case, from anecdotes from various people's lives, about the value of the Office, and pleads (softly) for the reader to consider joining a community to pray. It is light reading, and made me rethink my commitment to the community with whom I infrequently pray.