Love and Responsibility (Paperback)

~ (Author), H. T. Willetts (Translator) "The world in which we live is composed of many objects..." (more)
Key Phrases: personalistic norm, betrothed love, mutuum adiutorium, God the Creator, New Testament, Book of Genesis (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Drawing from his own pastoral experience as a priest and bishop before he became Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla has produced a remarkably eloquent and resourceful defense of Catholic tradition in the sphere of family life and sexual morality. He writes in the conviction that science--biology, psychology, sociology--can provide valuable information on particular aspects of relations between the sexes, but that a full understanding can be obtained only by study of the human person as a whole. Central to his argument is the contrast between the personalistic and the utilitarian views of marriage and of sexual relations. The former views marriage as an interpersonal relationship, in which the well-being and self-realization of each partner are of overriding importance to the other. It is only within this framework that the full purpose of marriage can be realized. The alternative, utilitarian view, according to which a sexual partner is an object for use, holds no possibility of fulfillment and happiness. Wojtyla argues that divorce, artificial methods of birth control, adultery (pre-marital sex), and sexual perversions are all in various ways incompatible with the personalistic view of the sexual self-realization of the human person.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the book is that Wojtyla appeals throughout to ordinary, human experience, logically examined. He draws support for his views on the proper gratification of sexual needs, on birth control, and on other matters, from the findings of physiologists and psychologists. His conclusions coincide with the traditional teachings of the Church, which invoke scriptural authority. His approach ensures that non-Christians also can consider his arguments on their own merits.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Polish

Product Details

• Paperback: 319 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press; Revised edition (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898704456
• ISBN-13: 978-0898704457
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,110 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a blessing - 5 stars is not enough, April 3, 2002

By	Scott M. Sullivan (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Cardinal Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) gives us a wonderful blessing with "Love and Responsibility." His in depth philospohical analysis of human love and sexuality stems from his philosophy of "personalism". Persons are self-determining creatures and should never be treated as mere objects. This is a fantastic book that beautifully displays Wojtyla's view of the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of the sexual act.

Worthy of special mention is Wotyla's metaphysical analysis of "love". This is a deep look into the nature of true love, how the sexual urge is the starting point, a good thing that encourages us to look deeper and to love the person as a whole. When this urge is abused by treating the person as a mere sex object, the fruits of the sexual urge are squandered. When used properly, the sexual urge is fuel to deepen our interests in another, to develop a friendship, goodwill, and if there is reciprocity from the other person, the highest stage is attained - betrothed love - the lifelong comittment of marriage.

This is a book that is sorely needed by our society today. There is much here - Wojtyla's thought is rich and deep. You will not get the grasp of his point with one reading, rather it will take multiple readings of this book for its flavor to sink in. Personally I have read this book three times and can testify how it has enriched my life. I think it will do the same for you.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love and Responsibility, December 6, 1999

By A Customer

I had heard this book described as one that would go down in history as one of the best books of the century. Even though it may not be widely know, after reading it, I have to agree. This book is life-changing. Karol Wojtyla addresses the topic of love (a topic which people assume they automatically know) with amazing precision, clarity and beauty. It was personally convicting and challenging at times in suprising ways. He paints a picture of love that all should seek. It isn't easy reading. But, it isn't easy reading because it is so packed. So, sometimes even in a paragraph or a page, the content was so remarkable as to require stopping and digesting only that portion. This book is a treasure.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Divnine Love., July 29, 1999

By A Customer

Karol Wojtyla educates people how to love. Not superficial love one experiences with fleeting emotions or sentiment, but rather virtuous love. Karol teaches love as a virtue and love that entails sacrifice and a willingness to give of self. Karol teaches that true love never uses another person as an object to be used. Rather true love is based on the dignity of the person. I have read many books on love and virue, but Karol Wojtyla has surpassed them all. This book will teach people how to love each other as Christ loved. This book will teach how to love God. This book has impacted my thought and behavior like no other. I highly encourage others to read this book.