Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II's Love and Responsibility [Paperback]

Edward Sri (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2007

Love and Responsibility brilliantly sheds light on the mysterious dynamics between men and women and challenges us to live those dynamics better. From the Introduction.


The essential background to the Theology of the Body!

Father Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) published Love and Responsibility in 1960, the fruit of his pastoral work, particularly among young people. His analysis of the true meaning of human love is life-transforming and practical, shedding light on real issues between men and women.

Edward Sri unpacks the contents of this great work, making it accessible to every reader. The author emphasizes the down-to-earth nature of Love and Responsibility, helping readers appropriate practical information on such topics as: how to determine if a relationship is one of authentic love or is doomed to failure; the problem of pornography; the meaning of friendship; how to achieve greater intimacy in marriage and much more.

Study questions with each chapter make this a valuable resource not only for individual personal reading but also for small group study.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Edward Sri is a gifted teacher and an equally talented writer. This book shows why. He breaks open Karol Wojtyla's great text, Love and Responsibility, in a way that's clear, engaging and very practical for the challenges of daily life. --Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Archbishop of Denver

...a terrific contribution to our growing understanding of the real-life implications of Pope John Paul II's thought. In this immensely relevant and readable book, Edward Sri offers sensible, nuanced guidance on some of the trickiest spects of relationships between the sexes. Readers in all walks of life will benefit from Sri's clarity and common sense. --Colleen Carroll Campbell, author, The New Faithful: Why Young Adults Are Embracing Christian Orthodoxy

...a terrific contribution to our growing understanding of the real-life implications of Pope John Paul II's thought. In this immensely relevant and readable book, Edward Sri offers sensible, nuanced guidance on some of the trickiest spects of relationships between the sexes. Readers in all walks of life will benefit from Sri's clarity and common sense. --Colleen Carroll Campbell, author, The New Faithful: Why Young Adults Are Embracing Christian Orthodoxy

About the Author

EDWARD SRI, S.T.D., is associate professor of Scripture and theology at the Augustine Institute's master's in evangelization and catechetics program in Denver, Colorado. He wrote the Catholic best-seller, The New Rosary in Scripture. He speaks regularly on the Catholic faith. He and his wife, Elizabeth, are parents of four children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 165 pages
• Publisher: Servant Books (August 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867168404
• ISBN-13: 978-0867168402
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Gender & Sexuality

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars For Laity, Priests and Religious February 24, 2008

By Carol Blank TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

The author, an associate professor at the Augustine Institute in Denver, wrote Men, Women and the Mystery of Love as an outgrowth of his own study and teaching on John Paul II's book Love and Responsibility. His goal was to shine a light on the pope's view of love and sexuality and show its relevance to everyday life. The work is suitable for lay people, priests, and religious in groups and as individuals. Each chapter focuses on an aspect of the pope's thinking and provides questions for reflection and suggestions for further reading. Topics include friendship; the proper role of emotions; how contraception harms love; and building trust, intimacy, and a mature love.

The chapter on building trust opens with the current divorce rates and data showing that only about one in ten married couples in the U.S. say they experience emotional intimacy in their relationship. In a great marriage, Sri writes, the spouses experience a deep personal communion with each other. John Paul II identified the underpinnings of this communion as "mutual self-giving love and the accompanying sense of responsibility for each other as gift." Sri addresses the topic with examples from the Garden of Eden, his own marriage, and two modern-day couples in crisis. This final story leads to a discussion of mature and immature love. In a summary chart, Sri describes mature love as primarily objective; looking outward; creating confidence and serenity; and self-giving. Reflection questions ask how our words and deeds break down trust and how we can maintain a truly loving attitude without approving faults of the other.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars change your life October 15, 2008

By a.c.

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

this is a terrific little read on how we treat other people with our actions and even our thoughts. This book will change your life if you let it, even after reading the first chapter...truly a great little find.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for engaged and married June 29, 2009

By Robert L. Bart

Format:Paperback

I have read Love and Responsibility and Sri's book captures the essence of
that great work but makes it understandable for everyone