In Pursuit of Peace

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AUG 16, 2004

Meyer, author of more than 50 books and host of widely distributed television and radio programs, revisits themes from previous books as she expounds on what it means to live at peace. The book is broken up into three sections, walking readers through being at peace with God, with themselves and with others. Meyer states that she now "enjoy a life of peace that often passes understanding" a remarkable feat for one who grew up in an abusive home and struggled through a difficult first marriage. However, exactly how Meyer arrived at this emotional highland remains a mystery; her journey is not recounted here, with the exception of small, often insignificant incidents (frustration over losing a parking place, dealing with children who spill things, arguing with her husband). While there are many helpful principles (trust God, don't overschedule, learn to overlook small offenses), Meyer's writing is shallow and her approach to scripture simplistic. Her "health and wealth" biblical approach becomes apparent in the chapter on avoiding financial pressure, where she states, "God wants us to prosper, but not out of proportion to our spiritual growth.... God will release more and more to us as we grow spiritually."