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Title: an argument that needs to happen
Review: This book is the record of a discussion between Mennonites and Catholics on war and policing. Gerald Schlabach's paper on "just policing" is the focus of the discussion. Schlabach is looking for ways to hold Catholics more accountable to the rigors of just war thinking, and hold Mennonites more accountable for actively promoting peace, not simply refraining from violence. In responses by Joe Capizzi and Denny Weaver, Schlabach's proposal is vigorously criticized from both Catholic and Mennonite perspectives. Schlabach responds with clarity and vigor. This book should not be regarded as the final word on the subject, but the opening of a debate that needs to happen. Catholics need to stop regarding the just war tradition as a rubber stamp for whatever violence the state perpetrates. Mennonites need to do more to promote peace than simply refuse to participate in war. Schlabach's proposal of "just policing" is a significant challenge to both.
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