Annotated Peace Resource List

Perpetual calendar filled with a great collection of quotes: "A pacifist believes there is always an alternative to war." -Jeannette Rankin, the lone U.S. Congress member who voted against entering WWII. "There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less." -G. K. Chesterton. "Victory can be achieved by various means. It can be gained with tanks and missiles, but I think that one wins better with truth, honesty, and logic. This is a new weapon." -Lech Walesa.

Winn examines biblical passages that condemn violence and long for peace as well as those that tell of the wars of God's people and picture God as commanding war. Winn suggests an ethic faithful to the central thrust of scripture.

A history of pacifism and those protesting war in the US, from colonial days until anti-nuclear protests in the early '80s.

Provides insight into a little publicized aspect of the Gulf War -- its opposition. Interviews four men and two women who attempted to become conscientious objectors during the Gulf War. They joined the military for various reasons: to get a job or money for college, to fulfill a sense of duty, to "be all they can be." Their stories illuminate the transformations they underwent, from raw teenage recruits to responsible adults, willing to take a moral stand despite the personal consequences. Their resistance was met with threats ranging from dishonorable discharge to the death penalty. Raises critical questions for those considering enlistment, for service people contemplating conscientious objection and for anyone concerned with issues of militarism in a democratic society. For youth.

Six sessions about different aspects of the peacemaking life. Each includes a biblical dialogue, stories about peacemakers, biblical dramas, issues for discussion, and ideas for parents.

Available from MCC
Presents the stories of military veterans whose inner voice clashed with their military duties. For all, a deepening commitment to Christ's way of peace changed the course of their lives. Courage and God's grace brought healing and vision for the future. "What ultimately drove me from the military was the fact that I was trying to serve two masters and could not." -- Dick Davis, Dallas, Texas. Divided into five sections, each section may be viewed and discussed separately. Study guide included. Visit the website! [ www.mcc.org/us/co ] This video's companion website allows you to e-mail questions about military service, faith and peacemaking to veterans who are now conscientious objectors to war. For youth.

Roth offers clear reasoning and current examples in response to pressing questions of our day: What are clues to what Jesus would do in the face of swirling fears, anger, and helplessness after the attacks of 9/11/01? What was Jesus’ role in the maelstrom of first century Palestinian politics? Is the nonviolent way of Jesus completely unrealistic? Do Christians really have anything different to offer the world than strategies based on power and coercion? How might a Christian’s trust in God redefine allegiance to his or her nation?

Four chapters: The Cross and Violence, Christ and Power, Peacemaking and Economics, and Walking in the Resurrection in a Violent World.

Tells how Mennonites, Brethren, Quakers and other conscientious objectors stood for peace in World War II by participating in Civilian Public Service (CPS). Focuses on work in mental health institutions and tells how CPS workers' involvement in mental health profoundly influenced American society. For grade 10 to adults.

Available from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. (Available from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center: 630-627-0507. www.LMPeaceCenter.org, Admin@LMPeaceCenter)
This video shows two TV spots that aired during the Persian Gulf War. One features the Mennonite response to war and the other is an interview with LMPC Executive Director, Richard Blackburn, on conscientious objection.

A family's frightening experiences when the government in Russia changes in the years after 1917.

The lives of 8 people who hide in an attic for 2 years in Amsterdam to escape capture by the Nazis..

Dear’s vow was written in collaboration with members of Pax Christi of the Catholic tradition. After addressing violence and nonviolence, he explores previous vows to nonviolence, and reasons for them and implications. He follows with chapters on Gandhi and Jesus, questions for prayerful reflection, and scriptural passages on nonviolence.

What does the Bible say about violence and armed conflict? A discussion in 6 sessions of issues in the Old and New Testaments.

Three half-hour stories of nonviolence in action: 1960 student sit-in at segregated lunch counters in Nashville, Tenn., the Salt March led by Gandhi and resulting successes in colonial India, and black township resistance in South Africa.

Coming out of the PBS documentary "A Force More Powerful," this book has twelve chapters that detail the rich history of nonviolent movements that overthrew dictators, obstructed military invaders, and secured human rights. Sections on Russia (1905); India; Poland; the Ruhrkampf (1923); Scandinavia (WWII); El Salvador (1944); Argentina and Chile; U.S. Civil Rights; South Africa; Philippines; the Intifada (1980s); China, Eastern Europe and Mongolia. Includes maps and photographs.
The accompanying website, www.pbs.org/weta/forcemorepowerful/ , was developed to support the documentary. It also shares background information on the film and 13 specific historical examples. Discusses what constitutes nonviolent action (as well as what it is not: passive, only for saints, dependent on the good will of others...).

Three half-hour stories of nonviolence in action: Danish resistance to the Nazis in WWII, resistance to dictator Pinochet in Chile, and the rise of labor solidarity in Poland.

In Kansas in 1941, America is entering WWII and 14-yr-old Will finds himself alienated from his friend Jim, a Mennonite, who does not believe in fighting for any reason. Gaeddert deftly handles complex issues: What does it mean to be a good Christian? How can harmony exist in a community of people with conflicting beliefs? Is pacifism a viable option in the face of evil? These are questions we need to continue addressing with our children.

A hands-on tool to help youth think biblically about the violence that dominates 80 percent of computer and video games. Three possible formats: one-day workshop, a two-session series, or a one-session workshop. Helps youth carefully consider the harmful effects of violent computer games.

Award-winning depiction of Gandhi's life in England, South Africa, and India where he was in the midst of drastic changes.