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.