The Wisdom of John Paul II: The Pope on Life's Most Vital Questions [Paperback]

Pope John Paul II (Author), Nick Bakalar (Compiler), Richard Balkin (Compiler), John White (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 13, 2001

The essential thoughts of Pope John Paul II on matters of belief and conscience have been culled from his encyclicals, speeches, homilies, and statements to fellow bishops and collected in one volume.

Throughout his more than two decades as the leader of the world’s Catholics, John Paul II has spoken both officially and informally on all aspects of life in the modern world.

Whether defining the Church's teachings or passionately espousing the basic human rights of all people, whether speaking from his throne in the Vatican or from a platform set up on a soccer field, the Pope has always eloquently and clearly stated his thinking, vision, and hopes for the Church and the world.

For this new edition, the compilers have added significant new material, including the pontiff's thoughts as we enter the third millennium of Christianity.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A clear and simple distillation of Pope John Paul II's most moving, wise, and relevant statements on morality, faith, spirituality, family, the poor, and more, culled from his writings, speeches, and interviews. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

The essential thoughts of Pope John Paul II on matters of belief and conscience have been culled from his encyclicals, speeches, homilies, and statements to fellow bishops and collected in one volume.

Throughout his more than two decades as the leader of the world's Catholics, John Paul II has spoken both officially and informally on all aspects of life in the modern world.

Whether defining the Church's teachings or passionately espousing the basic human rights of all people, whether speaking from his throne in the Vatican or from a platform set up on a soccer field, the Pope has always eloquently and clearly stated his thinking, vision, and hopes for the Church and the world.

For this new edition, the compilers have added significant new material, including the pontiff's thoughts as we enter the third millennium of Christianity.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Vintage (November 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375727329
• ISBN-13: 978-0375727320
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #319,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful and inspiring gem, July 24, 2000

By 

orbit13 "orbit13" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wisdom of John Paul II: The Pope on Life's Most Vital Questions (Hardcover)

Nick Bakalar and Richard Balkin have scoured numerous encyclicals, speeches, and letters to assemble this wonderful treasury of Pope John Paul II's thoughts on many questions facing today's society. The result is a wealth of wisdom and insight from the most seen man in the world. This isn't a book of answers to life's vital questions; rather, it offers the Pope's and the Church's view on such issues and asks us to question our attitudes and feelings. The topics are far-ranging, both contemporary and timeless. Matters of love, family, death, women, work, and youth are addressed as well as subjects such as human rights and progress and the modern world. Bakalar and Balkin's greatest strength in composing this book is the wide spectrum they've selected from. These issues are universal, and you will find something that speaks to you. You'll probably discover much more.

"The Wisdom of John Paul II" is not only a great addition to your inspirational or religious library; it's also a great addition to any library. I suggest giving this book as a gift, especially if you're looking for something meaningful that can be read over and over (instead of being used as a dust-collector). Non-Catholics and even non-religious will find the Pope's words inspiring, and his message of universal love can be understood and appreciated by all. He does not viciously attack groups in conflict with Church teachings but graciously approaches controversy as does a leader of the faith. Wherever he acts as an apologetic, he does so with the patience and firmness that has guided the Church through more than two decades.

This book, in part, acts as an intimate autobiography as it his diary of his times and how he has confronted the Church and society he has been entrusted. What makes this papal journal stand out from the rest though is that it is more than a portrait of the Pope or a collection of his quotes. His words represent one man's thoughts, but it also gives us a strong picture of his vision for the Catholic Church of the new millennium. Every issue is one that immediately concerns contemporary society, and that makes this book such an enjoyable and necessary read.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words of Wisdom, March 5, 2004

By 

Brad Shorr "Brad Shorr" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Wisdom of John Paul II: The Pope on Life's Most Vital Questions (Paperback)

Inspirational comments (taken from his speeches and writings) from Pope John Paul II on subjects including suffering, women, work, peace, faith, prayer, and much more. Whatever the subject, John Paul's words convey a deep respect and love for all people and an intense desire for peace. The excerpts range from a few sentences to a couple paragraphs, but almost every one contains at least one idea worth serious reflection. Considering how much John Paul has experienced of the world and his super-wide ranging travels, his views are definitely not "ivory tower", and that really comes across in his common sense and practical attitude. Any reader, regardless of religious background, could learn something from this book.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Experience The Wisdom, August 25, 2003

By 

James Gallen (St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wisdom of John Paul II: The Pope on Life's Most Vital Questions (Paperback)

"The Wisdom of John Paul II" is a collection of sayings of His Holiness. Topically organized into seventeen sections, it distills true gems from his voluminous writings and public addresses.

From these distilled gems the reader can glean some of the themes of John Paul's teachings. One such theme is mystery. Whereas modern man always seeks to know and understand, John Paul finds mystery in man, mystery in God, mystery in man's relationship to God.

Another theme of John Paul II is that Christ is at the center of all human existence. Whatever the issue, John Paul finds the answer in Christ. Relations between people must be based on man's inherent, God-given dignity. Man's ultimate destiny is found in uniting himself to Christ.

Ultimately, the value of this book comes, not from the answers it provides, but the questions it gently leads us to ask. Who am I? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? When a person starts asking these questions, he begins to think differently, to act differently, to be different. Pick up and read, think, and pray.