Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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

I have given this book to dozens of individuals and couples. It has been very effective in helping people to understand the Church's teaching with regard to human sexuality. I cannot recommend it more highly.

I had seen Dr Sri speak at a Catholic conference I attended with a friend. He was selling this book at the conference and my friend recommended the book, which she already owned. I asked if I could just borrow hers and she said "No - you need your own." And she was totally right. JPII was a brilliant man and Dr Sri breaks down Love and Responsibility in a very understanding way. And if you take everything in it to heart, it will change the way you view friendships, dating, and all relationships. It was so good that I purchased 2 more books for friends - I truly believe everyone should read this if you're not ready to tackle JPII's original. This book is highly recommended!

Great book that brings philosophical concepts down to the common man's understanding.
A must read for anyone contemplating marriage.

I purchased this text for a new small group formed at my Catholic parish. We meet in our homes to discuss the chapters. Well-written, easy to follow, challenges and provides opportunities to evaluate my personal interactions with friends, family and spouse. Spurs excellent discussion between myself and spouse and gets me to take a look at how I treat others. Excellent text.

Sri's book explains John Paul II's "Love and Responsibility" with simplicity yet with depth. It highlights JPII's powerful insights regarding men, women and love. JPII's messages and teachings regarding "Love and Responsibility" will be of enormous value for many years to come.

Everyone is searching for the same thing -- Love!! This book explains a lot of the feelings that we have in relationships (whether married, engaged, dating or friends). I think sometimes we try and convince ourselves that what the world says is correct even when we feel an emptiness from it. This book explains those feelings and makes you feel like you aren't the only one. Also, it's a very easy read. I recommend highly, and I wouldn't even call myself a reader.

Considering the fact that Sri boils down an immense amount of material into one short book, I think he does a very good job. The first few chapters are a bit repetitive and will probably come off as simplistic to the average person who is 30 and up but he really gets into more detail and practical information midway through the book.