Blind Spot: War and Christian Identity

by Dorothy Ranaghan

Overview

Readers will find Blind Spot a personal chapbook on Christian peacemaking drawing on a lifetime of wisdom garnered from theologians, exegetes, spiritual writers and peace activists through reading, lectures and personal encounter. Ms. Ranaghan's small book is a path into the mind of the church on peace and war today

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781565486638
Publisher:	New City Press NY
Publication date:	01/01/2015
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	5.12(w) x 8.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dorothy Ranaghan is the author of several books and writes for various Christian magazines. She co-authored Catholic Pentecostals, the first book detailing the history of this renewal movement and articulating its theological implications. Dorothy holds an MA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and was a founding member of the People of Praise, a charismatic, ecumenical Christian covenant community.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

I Prophetic Discomfort 12

II Prevailing Wisdom 22

III The Case for War? 47

IV Christian Identity 60

V Contrast Society 63

VI War Within the Church 73

VII Blessed are the Peacemakers 82

Afterword 99

Works Cited 101

What People are Saying About This

Anthony J. Gittins

Anyone seriously concerned about the implications of military service, patriotism, "the war on terror," or the culture of war in general — but who has not yet made a mature decision about any of the above — should probably read this book. It is an impassioned plea for nonviolence, carved out of the rock of Christian scriptures but acknowledging that from that same rock, other possibilities or modifications might also have been realized. The strengths and weaknesses of Just War Theory are clearly presented (31-40), as is the practice of Peacemaking (87-102). The author adds a timely reminder that sometimes the very language we use to describe our differences and disagreements can become overloaded with acrimonious and bellicose terminology (We wage a war of words, as we struggle or fight to convince others; and the Church itself is often described as separated into opposing sides, locked in conflict) … It would be helpful for preachers, as well as for reading clubs or workshops. It is accessible but not simplistic; and the references and bibliography are very good for a book of such modest scope and size. - Anthony J. Gittins, (CSSp in Catholic Library World)

Fr., OFM Cap., former preacher to the Papal Household - Raniero Cantalamessa

“I read this courageous book in one sitting, cover to cover. I was personally challenged and felt, like Ranaghan, ‘an inconsistent advocate of non-violence' in many regards. Blind Spot is a prophetic wake-up call for Christians of all denominations.”

Maryknoll missioner & author of On the Frontline, Catholic Missions & Zimbabwe's War of Liberation - Janice McLaughlin

“As someone who once supported the use of violence to attain freedom in Southern Africa, I found Blind Spot extremely challenging and convincing. Dorothy Ranaghan writes with clarity and passion about a subject that is both relevant and controversial. It could change your views - and maybe your life.”