Ulrich Mauser uses the Bible, especially the New Testament, as a guide for present-day peace efforts. He explores the meaning of peace, and throughout the book he interlaces the New Testament experience of peace with elements of the Old Testament idea of shalom, not overlooking the wars of Yahweh.

Ulrich Mauser was formerly Helen H. P. Mason Professor of New Testament and Exegesis at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. He also served as Dean of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.