Thomas Merton discovered that at the heart of contemplation there is a sense of being deeply connected to the world around us. The experience of loving union with God and others inspired Merton to work radically and devotedly to end war, racial hatred, and violence.

This new and revised version of Passion for Peace shares some of Merton’s important writing from the early 1960s, the period when he first began advocating to end wars and violence. William H. Shannon’s introduction contextualizes Merton’s strivings and shows the incredible sense of responsibility that the monk brought to his work. Although rooted in the cold war conflict, Merton’s thoughts apply directly to the genocide, terror, and civil and international wars that run rampant in our times.

Topics and people discussed include nuclear proliferation, fear as the root of war, nonviolent resistance, Gandhi, the Vietnam War, Thich Nhat Hanh, Auschwitz, the nature of violence, and Christian responsibility.