Fear Not: Thoughts on Living in Today's World [Hardcover]

Pope John Paul (Author), Alexandria Hatcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 1998

In a world of violence and threatened families, some see Pope John Paul II as a voice in a modern wilderness. He stands firm against the profound change in the way in which life and relationships between people are considered".

In the face of daily fears, he warns that, "serious demographic, social and family problems which weigh upon many of the world's peoples and which require responsible and effective attention... are left open to false and deceptive solutions, opposed to the truth and the good of persons and nations".

Today, "conscience itself...is finding it increasingly difficult to distinguish between good and evil in what concerns the basic value of human life".

He asks us to "work to ensure that justice and solidarity will increase and that a new culture of human life will be affirmed, for the building of an authentic civilization of truth and love".

The Holy Father's thoughts herein focus on our primary relationships: to the self, to others, and to God. Included are brief interludes: on the Holy Spirit who guides us, and on the spirituality of work, where we man manifest connections to all relationships.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (December 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836282906
• ISBN-13: 978-0836282900
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,534,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Practical inspirational quotes to refresh you, April 6, 2005

By 

Currer Bell (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fear Not: Thoughts on Living in Today's World (Hardcover)

Since this is a book of quotes, I will stick to practical matters in trying to describe it. The book is 124 pages, including the 2 page introduction by Alexandria Hatcher (member of the faculty of the 'Center for Spiritual Development' in the Archdiocese of New York, and a coordinator of the Come Home Community. She is also the editor of "Forgiveness: Thoughts for the New Milennium".)

So, you basically have 122 pages of quotes in this small hardback volume easily held in one hand. (The book size is about five by five inches). There is a nice photograph of the Pope John Paul II on the back cover, smiling with one hand raised in blessing.

The chapters of this book are: "Theme: Relating to Oneself", "Interlude - Gift of the Holy Spirit", "Theme: Relating to Others", "Interlude - Spirituality of Work", "Theme: Relating to God". Then a page called "Notes" which lists the sources for the quotes in the book.

So, what types of quotes are in this book? Quotes which can embolden: "Let yourselves be led by the hand of the LOrd, because he wishes to accomplish Redemption today through your means."

Quotes which can enlighten: "Ever fresh souls... unite their sufferings with Christ's sacrifice, in a joint 'offertory', which surpasses time and space and embraces the whole of mankind and saves it."

Quotes which can strengthen: "When we are shaken by the sight of evil spreading in the universe, with all the devastation which it produces, we should not forget that such unleashing of forces of sin is overcome by the saving power of Christ."

Quotes which lend grace: "The Good Samaritan is each of us! Through vocation! Through duty! The Good Samaritan loves charity. St. Paul says, "This makes us ambassadors for Christ." (2 Cor 5:20)."

Quotes which are relevant to today's news stories: "In the name of God: respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life! Only in this direction will you find justice, development, true freedom, peace and happiness."

Quotes which mince no words, for today's pick and choose types: "Contradiction is obliteration of the line of demarcation between good and evil, it means calling humanism which is actually sin."

And quotes which give hope - the way our Pope knew to do as one who faced down the evils of Nazism and Communism in his own life: "One must accept the call, one must listen, one must receive, one must measure one's strength, and answer, "Yes, yes." Fear not."

"Fear not" or "Be not afraid" were John Paul II's first words spoken as Pope. It is the message of Fatima, that in the end good (Mary's Immaculate Heart) will triumph - it is the message in the Bible also, that one day good will triumph with finality over evil. It is this reminder that Pope John Paul II spoke often - fear not, good will win. It's a good thing to meditate upon in one's daily life and when facing troubles - and it's the content of this book - fear not. This book of quotes in its own small way, attempts to tell us WHY.

I liked this book very much and find it useful. I hope that you will too.