Deep Peace: Finding Calm in a World of Conflict and Anxiety

Reviewed by:

Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

Deep Peace: Finding Calm in a World of Conflict and Anxiety

Author:

Todd Hunter

Publisher:

Zondervan Reflective

Publication Date:

September 21, 2021

Format:

Softcover (paperback)

Length:

272 pages

OVERVIEW

We live in an anxious time, where everyone is concerned about things becoming more polarized and the inability to see each other as human being. Anglican bishop Todd Hunter considers the current mood, and outlines attitudes and practices that lead to peace:

• Ten Peace Killers
• The Trinity of Peace
• Peace Within
• Peace with Others
• Practicing Peace

Fiction and nonfiction books for American evangelical readers often talk about finding peace in God, but there’s been some debate about whether they produce a self-centered ideal. Daniel Silliman suggests in Reading Evangelicals that revered Christian Fiction novels like Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly put all the emphasis on individuals feeling good, which helps explain why evangelicals have become so good at self-centered politics and spirituality. Given those concerns, it’s refreshing that Hunter doesn’t talk about peace as being a purely therapeutic thing. He begins by talks about attitudes that kill peace, and there are lot of insights into cultivating habits that diffuse tension. However, he carefully explains that peace ultimately comes from being Jesus’ disciple. Therefore, one cannot separate finding peace from Jesus’ mandate to bring about peace and justice in the world. Hunter’s conservative background helps, allowing him to consider conservative concerns about whether becoming a peacemaker and justice seeker means “going liberal.” The fact that Hunter is honest about moments where he could have done better as a peacemaker (times when he should have spoken out more against racial injustice, etc.) provide an interesting look at how someone from a majority culture can responsibility participate in public conversations about helping others.

A very helpful, excellent book on an important subject.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4.5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians seeking a peace-centered worldview that combines finding inner spiritual peace with being a peacemaker.

Christian Impact

Hunter shows how certain spiritual habits are key to feeling peaceful, but also how ultimately the goal is to become one of Jesus’ disciples. His descriptions of that role’s responsibilities are very helpful.