Meeting Evil with Mercy
An Anglican Priest’s Bold Answer to Atrocity – Reflections Upon the Ministry of Martin Israel
By Philip Pegler

This book tells the absorbing story of a doctor turned priest and exorcist, who always emphasised the sanctity of life and the sacrament of the present moment. His message of mercy is highly relevant in these critical times, following the savage terrorist attacks in Paris and massive displacement of entire populations as Christians and other refugees throughout the war-torn Middle East and beyond, have fled in desperation to Europe from the worst level of persecution endured there in centuries.

Under the shadow cast by atrocity and oppression, never has there been a greater need for the soothing balm of reconciliation – yet total resolution of any crisis can never come without deep understanding of the true nature of sorrow. It takes the resolute qualities of courage and loving kindness for us to confront the full fury of our inner demons too, but it is vital that we do so, since to pacify these dark energies within us is to calm the turbulent outer world in which they find eventual expression in such brutal violence.

That is the unequivocal message of this heartening book, which does not evade disturbing aspects of conflict and evil, but still offers hope of enduring peace.

This thoughtful and timely book celebrates the quiet radiance of love and unassuming courage to be seen all about us – yet so often overlooked. With care and clarity, these reflections encourage everyone to notice and honour the ordinary unselfish heroism and beauty to be found buried deep within each and every person, as well as hidden in the commonplace events of daily life – behind the stress and clamour of our frenetic and troubled world.

At a time of austerity and profound concern for freedom and human rights, here is a study emphasising the sanctity of existence and the silent background of being. Enduring peace awaits our discovery in the midst of our difficulties; it is this simple but potent realisation that entirely changes our world-view and offers genuine hope for the future of humanity.

The book is based upon the life of Clare Cameron, a gifted English mystic and Nature poet at the peak of her creative powers during the exuberant decade of the 1960s. Her uplifting writings acted like a mirror, clearly reflecting the ceaseless turbulence of current affairs as she foresaw with keen acuity the approaching wave of economic uncertainty, revolutionary discontent and terrorism that has swept the Middle East and many other parts of the globe in recent years.

Available now at Amazon

Book Launch at Watkins Bookshop

The book launch was held at Watkins Bookshop in London, where Philip gave a talk about what led him to write Hidden Beauty of the Commonplace, sharing his fond memories of Clare Cameron and the impact her life and teaching has had on him.

The book is available from Watkins Bookshop and also at Amazon