Living Without Enemies

Being Present in the Midst of Violence

Resources for Reconciliation

By Samuel Wells and Marcia A. Owen

(paperback)

Product Details

Line: IVP Books
Length: 144 pages
Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches
Binding: paperback
Published: May 2011

ISBN-10: 0-8308-3456-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-3456-3
IVP Order Code: 3456

Related Subjects

Justice/Peace

With senseless violence occurring throughout society, people are suffering and communities are groaning. Fear and not knowing where to begin hold many back from doing anything at all. But is "doing something" really what is most needed?

Marcia Owen and Samuel Wells come together to tell the story of a community's journey through four different dimensions of social engagement. After attempts to seek legislative solutions led nowhere, a religious coalition began holding prayer vigils for local victims of gun violence. It was then that Owen discovered the beauty of simply being present. Through her friendships with both victims and offenders, Owen learned that being with was precisely the opposite of violence--it was love. And to truly love others as God loves us meant living without enemies and taking small steps toward reconciliation.

Owen and Wells offer deep insights into what it takes to overcome powerlessness, transcend fear and engage in radical acceptance in our dangerous world. Your view of ministry will be altered by this poignant tale of coming face-to-face with our God who loves boundlessly and has no enemies.

Related Information & Resources

Download the Press Kit.