Crossing the Threshold of Love: A New Vision of Marriage [Paperback]

Mary Shivanandan (Author), Shivanandan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999

The papal encyclical Humanae Vitae predicted the disintegration of marriage and family life, partly as a result of the widespread use of contraception. Pope John Paul II has since addressed the problem by articulating a fresh understanding of marriage, love, and sexuality which takes account of the dignity of the human person, and especially of women.

In this most exhaustive and scholarly assessment of John Paul II's Christian anthropology ever written, Mary Shivanandan examines the scientific data and the theological analysis that underlie his teachings on marriage and sexuality. Her book will be an essential text for the study of the development, meaning, and implications of Catholic doctrine in this controversial area. It is both lucid and multi-disciplinary. Its appearance marks a new stage in the debate over sexuality in the modern world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Shivanandan, STD, is a professor at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Catholic University of America Press (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813209412
• ISBN-13: 978-0813209418
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #896,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism > Popes

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable, penetrating, beautiful work, August 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Crossing the Threshold of Love: A New Vision of Marriage (Paperback)

This book is stunning. How beautiful is God's gift of our body, I realized after reading it. This world proclaims that the human body is made for gratification and manipulation, but we know deep down there has to be more. Pope John Paul II has given the defining answer through his writings on the theology of the body. Sadly, many of us have not heard it or cannot comprehend it. This book by Dr. Shivanandan clearly and concisely elucidates the reader on the mind of this Pope. In Crossing the Threshold of Love, the layperson can see the link from the creation of man, of men and women, in God's image to day-to-day relationships with others.

Married couples, single persons, parents, priests, seminarians, teachers -- all can peel away years of misunderstanding the true theology of the body with their read of this book. So much of life's beauty is revealed. A profound sense of serenity with one's sexuality can be the result.

It is not for wimps, though. It took time to read and upon reflection to appreciate this work. It is more than worth the effort.

Crossing the Threshold of Love will remain a timeless resource for meditation and for improving relations with one another.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Truth About Love & Marriage, December 8, 2000

By 

Sam Torode - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crossing the Threshold of Love: A New Vision of Marriage (Paperback)

My wife and I read this book as we prepared for marriage, and it's the best book we've read on the subject. Though we are not Catholics, we recognize the beautiful truths of Pope John Paul II's vision of divine and human love. Crossing the Threshold of Love descibes marriage in its fullness--as God intended it. Any book on marriage that ignores such fundamental issues as fertility cycles and contraception is not worth your time. Mary Shivanandan is an honest, informed, and trustworthy guide in these matters. Though not an easy read, it is well worth the effort.