Making Peace: Personal Essays

by Eugene England

Essays about peace and understanding--a good read for anyone dealing with conflict on any level.

Genres: Mormonism, Religion, Lds, Nonfiction

247 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

A remarkable teacher, writer, and human being, Eugene England (1933-2001) profoundly influenced thousands of students, readers, and colleagues. A tireless advocate of what he called “great books and true religion,” he co-founded Dialogue, the first independent Mormon scholarly journal, and the Association for Mormon Letters. His thought-provoking personal essays explored the issues of belief, peace, poverty, race, gender, academic freedom and community. An eternal optimist, he encouraged dialogue between conservatives and liberals, skeptics and believers, traditionalists and postmodernists during the decades-long culture wars. England’s life and work reveal a faithful scholar and loyal critic who followed the admonition of Apostle Paul: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

Reviews

[Bryan Sebesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

If repentance signifies a change of mind and heart, this book repented me. That's the best way to put it. It's a brilliant and personal examination of how to achieve peace, written by a man who, the more I learn about, the more I am astounded at his personal example. England was a great man.

This book looks at things that divide us, and offers possible explanations as to why, and how, we can be united. He explores the problem of unity among diversity; partisan politics; why Nephi killed Laban; how Christ's commandments apply to abortion, capital punishment, and war; and especially explores that last point about war. He is not so much anti-war (although he is that) as he is "pro kingdom of God," and he provides a remarkably strong argument as to why pacifism (but not passivism) is the better way.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. Have me a lot to think about.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring.

[Don Gubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound and transformative.

[Terry Earley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly enjoyable book of essays, expanding my understanding and appreciation of a deep thinker.

His first, title essay, "Finding Peace" is refreshing and pertinent to today's social and political climate, where justice quickly evolves to vengeance. "Pre-emptive" strikes against perceived "enemies" are the norm, and hate and suspicion replace conversation and actual work towards dualism.

The chapter on why Utahns should change parties to Democrats was instructive. though written in the 90's, it tracks the political paranoia that a one party state encourages. This chapter is a must-read for everyone moving to Utah.

The chapter on resolving the principle of eternal progression to perfection was also very good, not only to examine important doctrines, but to describe his period of trouble with Church authorities and how it was eventually resolved.

All around an important work for Mormons to read and understand one thoughtful man's journey to the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read the last chapter for a deeper understanding of what he believes.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eugene England is quickly becoming my favorite LDS writer. Although a couple of the essays get bogged down a little in descriptions, I enjoyed all of them and a few should be 'must-reads' for all Latter-day Saints. Some of my favorites were "On Spectral Evidence, Scapegoating, and False Accusation", "Thou Shalt Not Kill: An Ethics of Non-violence", "No Respecter of Persons: An Ethics of Diversity", and "Why Utah Mormons Should be Democrats: Reflections on Partisan Politics."

[Kelianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could remove and keep by my bedside essays five and six, "Why Utah Mormons Should Become Democrats: Reflections on Partisan Politics" and "Jacaranda." There are others I appreciated as well (especially "'No Respecter of Persons': An Ethics of Diversity.")

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goal is read everything Eugene England has written. I loved so many of these short "memoirs" and stories. I read this book a couple of years ago and could have sworn I wrote a glowing review then of this book. Thank goodness for Brother England!

[Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this in pieces as I have time and desire. So far, it's absolutely wonderful.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books in the last 5 years. Clearly an independent thinker. His writing is "easy on the eyes", i.e. an enjoyable experience.

[Sharman Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eugene England is my favorite Mormon essayist and this book is one I go back to again and again. His ideas have influenced me probably more than any modern Mormon writer.

[Ariane]

I liked the essay about why Utah Mormons should become Democrats.

[Deja Bertucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed a few essays out of here, didn't feel as interested in the others, but I anticipate I'll pick it up again.

[Christian Axelgard]

From my folks, reading with Jenny. It makes us talk a lot. I wish this guy had been around in my days at BYU.

[Anord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an amazing book. Loved essays 1,2,3,5,8,9 & 11. What a great mind!

[Paul Garns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. And love my man Eugene.