Prophecy and Diplomacy: The Moral Doctrine of John Paul II [Hardcover]

John J. Conley (Author), Joseph W. Koterski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

Stemming from two conferences, held in 1994, and 1996, Prophecy and Diplomacy: The Moral Doctrine of John Paul II explores the general orientations and the specific applications of the moral teaching of Pope John Paul II. The first part of the book places the Pope's moral theory within a broader theological framework, attempting to identify the overarching philosophical and theological attitudes that shape the Pope's fundamental moral perspective. In part two, the work studies the Pope's teaching in the areas of applied ethics. Both the major lecturers and the respondents focus upon those areas of applied ethics that have provoked the greatest tension between the magisterium and the academy and between the Church and the state in the West. The volume concludes by presenting a homily that places the ethics of John Paul II within a spiritual framework of repentance and redemption. The Pope's moral teaching is not an academic survey of ethical themes. Nor is it a Pelagian call to human self-regeneration. The ultimate truth concerning human conduct and moral judgement emerges only with the proclamation of God's grace.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John J. Conley, S.J., is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University. Joseph W. Koterski, S.J., is Editor-in-Chief of International Philosophy Quarterly and Chair of Philosophy Department at Fordham University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 329 pages
• Publisher: Fordham University Press; 1st edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823219755
• ISBN-13: 978-0823219759
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,213,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Pope's Tough Love, February 2, 2000

By 

marc (london) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prophecy and Diplomacy: The Moral Doctrine of John Paul II (Hardcover)

John Paul II has changed the face of the world. The rebirth of democracy in Eastern Europe, in Latin America, and in the Philippines is in large measure his work and the work of his church. The Jesuit writers of this book explain the moral vision behind the Pope's titanic political struggle---and they are clearly cheering him on!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Conscience Revisited, February 2, 2000

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marc (london) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prophecy and Diplomacy: The Moral Doctrine of John Paul II (Hardcover)

This is a scholar's book. And with Jesuit scholars, the hair-splitting can become furious. I like the chapters on fundamental ethics. They get at the issues of consience and freedom that are behind the church's tough positions on human life and human love issues.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On Target, September 2, 2000

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Tom Staniewicz (Dartmouth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prophecy and Diplomacy: The Moral Doctrine of John Paul II (Hardcover)

As a member of the loyal opposition, reading books on the pope has been a hobby of mine. On more than one occasion, I've been infuriated by some recent Vatican pronouncement, especially on moral issues. This collection of essays put the pope's theories in context. McDermott's historical piece showed how many of the moral conflicts in the church go back well before Vatican II. Apparently that gleaming, monolithic world of Pius XII wasn't as uniform as we thought. Madigan's piece showed why the church's counteroffensive against modernity, witness the new Catechism, will have a rough play in American society. After all the journalistic treatments of the pope, it's a relief to have real scholarship.

I especially liked the pluralism of the book. So many studies of the pope insist that he is an angel or a demon. The different authors here clearly differ on whether this pope is succeeding or not. Some of them bask in the papal glow, but most of them raise critical questions about the papal arguments.

I would not recommend this book as an introduction to the pope. Weigel's biography is a better pick for this. But if you're looking for a scholarly joust over John Paul II's moral positions, this is the book for you.