On War and Peace
Various articles by Dorothy Day on the themes of war, pacifism, and the Catholic Worker positions on making peace.
DELAWARE WORKERS EMPHATICALLY SHOUT: “WE DON’T WANT WAR!”
By Dorothy Day
New York Call TUESDAY, April 3, 1917, page 1
Review of In Solitary Witness (cont.)
Summary: Continues to give details of Franz Jagerstatter’s resistance to the Nazi regime. Admires his solitary, almost unnoticed, witness. See him as a beacon for conscientious objectors in the Vietnam era. (DDLW #829). The Catholic Worker, July-August 1965, 5, 7.
More About Cuba
Summary: Rues the nationalism and waste of resources that continues in our relations with Cuba–“out next door brothers.” Says she will continue to write in the light of faith about all that contributes to “a heartwarming zeal for the common good.” Keywords: war, pacifism (DDLW #800). The Catholic Worker, February 1963, 1, 4.
The Use of Force
Summary: Argues that Christians should not take up arms in the Spanish Civil War. Points to Christ, the Apostles, and martyrs whose willingness to suffer led to victory. Opposes the Communist cry to use force. Prays “give us the courage to suffer.” Keywords: pacifism, non-violence. (DDLW #306). The Catholic Worker, November 1936, 4.
On Pilgrimage (July/August 1965)
Summary: Quotes from Pope John XXIII about his foul experience in the military. Hopes the Vatican Council will make a clear anti-war statement in line with Jesus’ word: “Put up thy sword.” Reaffirms a kind of pacifist manifesto: use the weapons of the spirit and take up you cross and follow Jesus. (DDLW #828). The Catholic Worker, July-August 1965, 4, 7.
On Pilgrimage (December 1957)
Summary: Account of a trip through Chicago, Minnesota, and onto Montreal. Comments on the interest of students in pacifism, singing psalms in English, riding the bus, and prayer–“A fundamental study.” (DDLW #733). The Catholic Worker, December 1957, 2, 8.
We Go on Record: the CW Response to Hiroshima
Summary: Denounces the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and is outraged at the jubilation in the press. Juxtaposes words and images that contrast the evil of the bomb’s destruction with God’s creative love. Keywords: pacifism, war (DDLW #554). The Catholic Worker, September 1945, 1.