Customer Reviews

Unconditional Love: Love Without Limits

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Many years ago, my father read this book, and viewed it as the most important book he ever read in his life. I, however, did not listen to him. I was a young scientist who knew all too well the pain caused by organized religion, and I wanted no part of anything even remotely related to the catholic church, much less something written by a priest. I didn't even believe in God for many years. After going through a particularily difficult time and growing up a bit, I agreed to read this book, but mostly as a favor to my father. I thought it would help strengthen our relationship. I never anticipated it would help me build my own relationship with God. I never anticipated it would give me a whole new way of thinking. This book speaks to the heart. I guess Father knows best.

I can't share this book enough with the people that is looking for love or meaning in life. I give this book to others for presents and in the last ten yrs. given out fifteen, and back today to buy another five. This is one way that I can do my discipleship.

John Powell's masterpiece is rich in personal experience, stories, scripture and psychological insight. He blends these strands together in a beautiful declaration of unconditional love as the foundation of human fullfillment and the prerequisite for spiritual growth.

This book is a very good and thorough treatment of the topic of love and the results of failure to love. Powell is convinced that unconditional love is the only true love. Anything else is manipulative.

I picked this book up on what I figured was a fluke. I was at a used book store and the title seemed exactly what I was looking for. I had no idea how true that was! I definitely believe that this was God's plan, and boy am I glad I listened! :)

This book has completely changed my life, and I am thrilled to recommend it to everyone I know! Just ask my friends... LOL I had no idea what I was getting myself into! I have always had a close relationship with my Father in Heaven, but have struggled with self-esteem my whole life because of abuse issues as a child.

This book is SUCH an incredible view into the souls of those who have suffered any kind of abuse -- or for any reason have low self-worth. I could not put it down, and learned SO much about myself!

Thank you SO much for writing such a wonderful book! My life will never be the same again... isn't it great! :)

JL

No matter how many times you have answered this question, in your life, to focus upon this question, is to love yourself.

And don't worry about the answers that come to mind. Whatever answers you arrive at, really represent part of your one life principle, which is what you filter all of your decisions through.

Mine is "Serene Samurai," or, "Creative Self-Expression."

Both terms come down to unconditional love.

And both come down to John Powell's message, "True self-esteem and a true sense of identity can be found only in the reflected appraisal of those whom we have loved."

I especially enjoy reading these 2 messages, in "Unconditional Love:

"There may be days when disagreements and disturbing emotions may come between us. There may be times when psychological or physical miles may lie between us. But I have given you the word of my commitment. I have set my life on a course. I will not go back on my word to you. So feel free to be yourself, to tell me of your negative and positive reactions, of your warm and cold feelings. I cannot always predict my reactions or guarantee my strength, but one thing I do know and I do want you to know: I will not reject you! I am committed to your growth and happiness. I will always love you."

"To choose to love as a life principle means that my basic mind-set or question must be: What is the loving thing to be, to do, to say?"

This wonderful book is a continuation of the ideas in "Why am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am;" also by John Powell, S.J.

since John lectured at Loyola. It changed my life and when I got divorced, I realized that I loved my wife and if she needed to go to be happy, I needed to support her. I lost my son a few years back and haven't felt anything since until I met a new woman in my life. I recognized almost immediately that I love her totally, and unconditionally. We have some things to work on but this book reminds me of what unconditional love is and isn't. Boundaries and strength and openess and honesty. I am alive agian.

The Christian author portrays unconditional love in a beautiful and refreshing way. In a world of self-help books and broken marriages, this book epitomizes what real love should be like without making it impossibly idealistic.

I read this astounding little book in the early 1980s (an earlier print than this) and it has defined my notions of love ever since. Incredible.

If you are serious about risking it all on love with another person -- read this book first.

November 17, 2005 - A settlement has been reached in connection with a Roman Catholic priest accused of sexual abuse. At least six adults claimed father John Powell abused them in the late 60's and 70's. No criminal charges were filed against Powell but the priest has admitted to the abuse.
--ABC News
Two of the former Chicago Jesuit priest John Powell's victims spoke out Thursday. Patrice Regnier says Father Powell -- a former Loyola University professor -- started abusing her when she was 12 years old. She just received a settlement.
"The idea people found from me speaking the truth that they could come out themselves and speak the truth is a good thing," said Patrice Regnier, victim of sexual abuse.
Diane Ruhl says she was abused at 17 years old by Father Powell on the Loyola campus when she was a student. She confronted him 30 years later by writing him. He responded and admitted to the abuse in his letters.