On the Body: A Contemporary Theology of the Human Person (Crossroad Book) [Paperback]

Carlo Maria Martini (Author)

Book Description

Series: Crossroad Book | Publication Date: May 1, 2001

On the Body is unlike any other by this author. It is carefully structured in five parts, and is a major study on the catechesis of the human body and the spirit that lies within. The content for this work comes out of the Cardinal's 20 years as a bishop and it is from this experience that he regards this topic as being central theologically, anthropologically, and pedagogically. Above all, the book expresses the over concern that consumes our fitness-oriented body culture that has become such a huge phenomenon in our time.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824518926
• ISBN-13: 978-0824518929
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,613,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't go into much depth, May 30, 2006

By 

Hairy Lime (ND, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Body: A Contemporary Theology of the Human Person (Crossroad Book) (Paperback)

This book tries to cover too much in too few pages. There are only 120 pages (actually the book starts at about page 10), and the print is quite large. Many people could finish it in a day. The topics covered include health of the body, sexuality, the sacraments, and the resurrection of the body.

Martini keeps his comments necessarily short on each subject. Almost like it was a diary: he jotted down a few notes on a certain topic before he went to bed. "On the Body" is nice if you've read all of the Theology of the Body books and are looking for more; it isn't in-depth at all, but gives a fresh perspective.

One note of caution to orthodox Catholics buying this book because it's by a cardinal: Martini is the darling of the liberal media and has put forth progressive proposals, so read this book with a skeptical eye. I couldn't find much in here that is unorthodox, but the book doesn't go into much detail, like I said.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Book by an Amazing Man, October 13, 2002

By 

"adalton" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Body: A Contemporary Theology of the Human Person (Crossroad Book) (Paperback)

Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini has a very powerful way with words. I believe this book can provide insight whether Christian or of another faith.

On the section 'Who am I?' he writes, "In general, a body is any object that the eye and the touch can perceive. Obviously, when we talk about the human body this definition is insufficient, unless we are talking about a lifeless body." He goes on and I suddenly had a strong impression of the delineation between my body and my soul. I could not help but believe that a living body must have a soul, and that it is the soul that is most important regardless of what our secular world convinces us of. Other faiths would use a different term for soul.

It's a slow read because speed reading it would completely miss the points made in such few words. One paragraph, one sentence, is sometimes enough to make one stop and review one's thoughts.

This is not a large book but, for an absolutely amazing price of one or two meals (please forgive the assumptions), the spiritual rewards are great. Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, a man who has certainly pondered humanity and life, brings to mind perspectives that we are often too busy or too blinded to consider.

This is a book that should be on the same shelf with the Bible; a wonderful uplifting book for peaceful reading just before restful sleep or to invigorate for fullness of life.