Divine Mercy: A Guide from Genesis to Benedict XVI [Paperback]

STD Robert Stackpole (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2008

More than a Devotion... Understand Divine Mercy and Its Importance Today. What exactly is Gods mercy? Where do we find it in Sacred Scripture? What is the basis for it in the life of the Church? Dr. Robert Stackpole, STD, a university professor and expert on Divine Mercy, addresses these questions as he takes the reader on a tour of Gods mercy in Scripture and Church history. In Divine Mercy A Guide from Genesis to Pope Benedict XVI, journey from the Garden of Eden to the Hill of Calvary. Discover Gods mercy in the writings of the Churchs great theologians, as well as in the life and teaching of many of its most preeminent saints. Learn of St. Faustinas call to spread The Divine Mercy message in our time and Pope John Paul IIs legacy of mercy, which has influenced Pope Benedict XVI, his successor. Groups of all kinds in the Divine Mercy movement at large, in parishes, and at universities will find this book an essential guide to a deeper understanding of God mercy. To enhance its use by groups, Dr. Stackpole has included study questions and a discussion starter at the end of each section in his chapters. Whether used by groups or individuals, this book belongs in the library of every Catholic. Divine Mercy A Guide form Genesis to Benedict XVI will be promoted in tandem with Marian and John Paul II Institute seminars and workshops, including the 2008 World Congress in Rome, Italy, as a resource for those who promote The Divine Mercy message. * The John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy is an apostolate of the Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception a congregation that has promoted the authentic Divine Mercy message since 1941. The Institute provides formation and research in The Divine Mercy message and devotion as it is revealed in Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and in the life and writings of St. Faustina Kowalska. * Dr. Robert Stackpole, STD, is Professor of Theology at Redeemer Pacific College and Director of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy. He is the author of numerous online and print articles on Divine Mercy, as well as the book Jesus, Mercy Incarnate and editor of Pillars of Fire in My Soul The Spirituality of St. Faustina.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Robert Stackpole, STD, is Professor of Theology at Redeemer Pacific College and Director of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy. He is the author of numerous online and print articles on Divine Mercy, as well as the book Jesus, Mercy Incarnate and editor of Pillars of Fire in My Soul The Spirituality of St. Faustina. The John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy is an apostolate of the Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception a congregation that has promoted the authentic Divine Mercy message since 1941. The Institute provides formation and research in The Divine Mercy message and devotion as it is revealed in Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and in the life and writings of St. Faustina Kowalska.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Marian Press (January 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596141859
• ISBN-13: 978-1596141858
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,478,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Exploration of God's Revelation of Divine Mercy, December 11, 2009

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Patrice Fagnant-macarthur (Springfield, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Divine Mercy: A Guide from Genesis to Benedict XVI (Paperback)

Robert Stackpole, STD has done an incredible job of tracing the "theological history" of Divine Mercy in "Divine Mercy: A Guide from Genesis to Benedict XVI." In his introduction, Stackpole asks a very important question. "Why has the message of Divine Mercy been revealed over time? If the message is so important, why didn't God reveal the whole thing to human beings right from the start?" Due to sin, humanity couldn't take it all in at once. "As century followed century, God progressively revealed Himself more and more." Stackpole explores that revelation through the words of the Old and New Testament, the lives of various saints, and the words of our current Pope and his immediate predecessor.

Stackpole defines Divine Mercy as "God's Love reaching down to meet the needs and overcome the miseries of His creatures." From the days of Adam and Eve, God has shown his mercy to his people. Even in the midst of God's punishments, there is always an element of mercy. Cain kills Abel, yet he goes forth with God's protection. In the midst of the flood, Noah and his family are saved. God did not abandon the Chosen People in the desert. The ones who were unfaithful would not get to enter the promised land, but their children still would. Even in chastisement, His mercy serves to encourage a "return to faithfulness to the convenant He had graciously made with them and so that they might enjoy all its blessings." God's discipline and his mercy are always for the greatest good.

The New Testament offers the ultimate act of God's mercy - His sending His son to save us. "If the Son of God Himself is overflowing with merciful love, it is no wonder that the New Testament encourages everyone to place all their trust in Him and in His heavenly Father." Also, God is not just waiting for us to turn back. Like the Good Shepherd, he seeks out the lost sheep. He searches us out and welcomes us back.

Several saints have also added to the message of Divine Mercy. Stackpole explores the teachings of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, Francis of Assisi, and Maria Faustina Kowalska among others. The work of each builds on and complements the others as God has chosen to reveal different elements of His mercy to each one, and through them, to us. Lastly, Stackpole focuses on Pope John Paul II, the Mercy Pope, and our current pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI.

"Divine Mercy: A Guide from Genesis to Benedict XVI" is a must-read for anyone interested in how God has revealed his mercy through the ages. "Divine Mercy is the center of the Gospel message, manifested through the Sacraments and works of mercy done by the Church. It is the only source of true peace for every human heart and every human community."

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Divine Mercy: A Guide from Genesis to Benedict XVI by Robert Stackpole, July 25, 2008

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This review is from: Divine Mercy: A Guide from Genesis to Benedict XVI (Paperback)

Excellent! Great read on the history and Scripture references to Divine Mercy of the Jesus. Really helps understand the tradition and where it came from.