Annotated Peace Resource List

History of the Crusades, told from the perspective of Muslims: Turks, Kurds, and Egyptians in this biography of Saladin (1138-1193), a relatively generous military ruler. Christian “heroes” from Europe are shown in their un-Christian lifestyles. Much to talk about here. The text is lengthy, though accompanied by wonderful maps and illustrations, so NOT a picture book for the young.

Set in the time of the Civil War.

"Remarque managed to describe the experience of the common soldier truthfully and convincingly and to give voice to the mood of his generation--its disillusionment and longing for peace. His legacy is less in technical craftsmanship than in the significance of the message."

A group of young WW1 German recruits pass from idealism to disillusionment with the war.

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.

A Vietnamese family decides to flee for their lives.

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.

The question of which side of the bread to butter escalates into an arms race between the Yooks and the Zooks in an open-ended fantasy.

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?

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.

Relates the experience of a young Jewish girl and her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

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

From Website: “Clara Estelle Breed, or Miss Breed, was the Children's Librarian at the San Diego Public Library from 1929 to 1945. Miss Breed was fond of all children, including the many Japanese American children and teenagers who frequented the East San Diego Branch Library… The day of their departure at the San Diego train station, Miss Breed distributed stamped and addressed postcards to her young friends, asking them to write to her and describe their life in camp.” A sample of those letters, information about life in the camps, and information about Miss Breed is found here. See also the book: Miss Breed: True Stories of the Japanese American Incarceration During WWII and a Librarian Who Made a Difference.

This book is based on the postcards/letters received by San Diego librarian Miss Breed, who gave stamped self-addressed postcards to children she knew when they were forcibly removed to incarceration camps because of their ethnicity during WWII. See also the website www.janm.org/exhibits/breed/title.htm

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

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

This book tells the story of Vedran Smailovic through the eyes of a young boy named Alen. Vedran Smailovic played his cello for 22 days in honor of the 22 victims of a bomb blast in Sarajevo. He played in the streets in the midst of continuing shelling. It is a testimony to the power of music and to the courage of one person who saw the insanity of war. It is beautifully illustrated with paintings by Deryk Houston.

The sad tale of zoo keepers who have to kill their animal friends at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo during World War II.