The Way to Christ: Spiritual Exercises (Paperback)

by Pope John Paul II (Author) "It will be helpful if we begin with the simple observation that we are gathered together here, and then consider what this means..." (more)
Key Phrases: marvelous exchange, absolute importance, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Lord Jesus (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This study guide expands the discussion begun in The Divine Conspiracy, focusing on and clarifying key issues and encouraging a fuller understanding of Christian discipleship. Here you will find:

Overviews and summaries of each chapter of The Divine ConspiracyScripture meditations to enhance your understanding of the textStudy questions to facilitate stimulating discussion and reflection

From the Publisher
This rich and practical book offers readers the unique opportunity of participating in a spiritual retreat given by Pope John Paul II.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (October 7, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060642165
• ISBN-13: 978-0060642167
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,366 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #3 in	Books > Nonfiction > Foreign Language Nonfiction > More Languages > Polish
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

126 of 126 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Retreats for University Students, January 20, 2001

By	D. Hayes (Belmont, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful book. It is unclear from the title, but the content of the book came as retreats for University students in Poland given by John Paul II when he was bishop (and cardinal) in Cracow. The talks are so down to earth and personal. I love theology also, but the simple message to everyday students really touches the heart more profoundly. A particular strong point is the two short chapters given to female, then male students. The way John Paul II upholds the dignity of women is amazing. The way he tells young men from scripture that our problems are summed up as: "male arrogance, scant willingness to give, and the spirit of conquest," shows how he hits home in a concrete way. He also addresses abortion and the man's role in abortion with no compromise. The whole book is hard hitting and direct.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The pope as a teacher, April 5, 2005

By	FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

Among the many accomplishments of the man known to the world as Pope John Paul II, his role as a teacher is probably the least trumpeted, but perhaps among the farthest-reaching of his talents. He has worked to shape the theological and spiritual direction, not only of Roman Catholics, but for Christians generally, and even beyond the borders of Christian thought. He was able to accomplish this was some integrity because he did not take syncretist approaches, nor did he shrink from stating very clearly what he himself believed.

This book derives from times he spent as a teacher of students; taking place before he was elevated to the papacy, these essays and lecture/conversations show a depth of thinking in Christian thought.

'It is significant in an age where it would seem the whole destiny of the person and of his existence must be guided and directed from outside,' he said, as he looked for the image of God that is contained in each of us. We are created in the divine image, and that image is reflected in our very being. Every human being has this image. If we deny this image and the relationship with God which it sets up, then we risk the fragmentation of our lives into a lot of external problems.

Humanity tends to ignore both its gift and its obligation in regard to being created in the divine image; the way of Christ is the way we are called to live this image into its fullness, the Pope advocated.

This is a good book for those who seek spiritual renewal; it could also be used as a guide of sorts for spiritual direction and retreats, both on an individual and more communal level.

53 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Comprehension, July 2, 2001

By	Thomas G. Liang (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is a written record of a conversational presentation of two retreats John Paul II gave 10 years apart before he became pope. Unlike formal books, it is easy to understand and very relevant to our times and very useful. It gives a flavor of theologically where he is coming from.