Blessed are the Pacifists: The Beatitudes and Just War Theory

'Thomas Trzyna has written a thoughtful, articulate meditation on war and peace, both inspired and anchored by the Beatitudes. Trzyna never hestitates to examine pacifism in the context of some of the most violent challenges on earth: terrorism, anarchy, ethnic cleansing, and overpowering militarism. Trzyna's profound discussion of contemporary issues reflects a lifetime of work on issues of war and peace. This is a book to be read and reread. It will stimulate discussion, offer hope, and inspire new directions for action.' - James W. Tollefson, author, The Strength Not to Fight: Conscientious Objectors of the Vietnam War

This book takes a fresh look at pacifism as a way of life and a practical method of conflict resolution that is grounded in the Scripture, particularly the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel. Based on a study of just war theory and contemporary world events, this book does not rehearse familiar debates about how to justify war. Rather, it approaches the topic from the provocative angle that the work of peacemakers requires setting goals to be measured in generations, not years.

'Trzyna confidently makes a case for peaceful solutions to the problem of war, but he exudes a sense of humility, the kind of humility called for in the Beatitudes, which Trzyna views as the pacifist manual...His arguments in favor of the pacifist perspective have a welcome freshness to them. Perhaps it is because he isn't a theologian or an ethicist or because, not having come from a pacifist tradition, he really has no vantage point that he is compelled to defend.' - From the foreword by Richard A. Kauffman

Thomas Trzyna is a professor of English at Seattle Pacific University. His academic interests have included the study of forgiveness and the sociology of the ethnic studies classroom. He has been active in founding a seminary and counseling school, administering colleges, and working as a college accrediting and development specialist. Currently, he is developing a new university in Vietnam to create sustainable peace and economic progress through education.