Pope John Paul II's THE SPLENDOR OF TRUTH is a clear and unpretentious dissertation on the nature of TRUTH as a subsistent reality upon which human freedom, and concommitant dignity, derive their subsequent claims and integrity. Axiom: Subsistent Truth is precedent to Human freedom. That is: Truth prescribes freedom; freedom does NOT define Truth...or disavow its absolute claim on finite man. In the Christian tradition TRUTH is identified with THE LOGOS. ( In Greek traditon "Logos" is the principle of intelligibility which allows reality to be analyzed and validated) In Christian traditon THE LOGOS is an actualizing principle of the Nature of God, and the sustaining principle of Reality and Truth. This belief is a metaphysical act of FAITH. Pope John Paul II asserts this axiom over against Post-Modern Relativism that posits Man's Freedom as ultimate arbiter of Truth. The latter belief is a meta-ethical assertion of Will-to- Power. Articles 84, 86, 99, 101 and 105 are key explications provided in this Encyclical that forcefully defend what has been a traditional definition and exlanation of Truth in the West for more than 2000 years as well as rebuking the radical efforts of Post-Modernists (beginning with Schopenhauer, Nietzsche and particularly Martin Heidegger)to reverse not only THE ORDER OF KNOWING (ontological epistemology or simply "science")but THE ORDER OF BEING (the etiology of right conduct, or simply ethics). THE SPLENDOR OF TRUTH is an important document in the history of ideas and philosophy. Not because it is highly original, but on the contrary, because it adresses perhaps the most crucial issue humanity must contend with. Is man humble enough to accept limits as a creature blessed with (created/given)Freedom to conform himself...as best he can...to the Image and Likeness of the Creator who made him? Or shall he launch himself into (what Heiddeger called Das Ereignis) NOTHINGNESS, attempting to devise an "Image" worthy of self-homage to aspire to and celebrate? John Paul is not "preaching to the choir" in this effort. Nor is this a catechism for convinced (or would-be)Catholics. This is a well-reasoned philosophical essay that presents arguments, counters; consequences and probable outcomes in a battle against what C. S. Lewis called THE ABOLITION OF MAN. Pope John Paul II wrote a supporting encyclical, FIDES ET RATIO...On the Relationship between Faith & Reason. This is also recommended to readers who are encouraged by THE SPLENDOR OF TRUTH. For those who are not, or for those who have been beguiled by the headiness of the apparent approach of (self-)Apotheosis, I propose to you a quip from St. Augustine, a man who certainly knew how to abuse both Truth & Freedom by "wandering in self-willed error" (The Confessions: XV): DO NOT GO LOOKING FOR A LIBERATION WHICH WILL LEAD YOU FAR FROM THE HOUSE OF YOUR LIBERATOR!" (Commentaries on the Psalms,St. Augustine AD 1397). If I said to to you, Truth is Truth when it participates in THE LOGOS which is...among other qualities...SUBSISTENT TRUTH, you might well retort: So what? Pope John Paul II's essay of expert opinion and HIGHER AUTHORITY may be worthy enough to convince you of the necessity of knowing and defending Truth if we are to remain free and human...Amen?

The combination of the 'Catechism' and The Spendor of Truth are, perhaps, the most necessary tools for any and all Catholic thinkers/scholars; as well as anyone interested in discovering the authentic teachings of the Church - minus the broad-stroked misinformation of the mass media.

Pope John Paul is a brillian writer who brings us an excellent summary of truth as it has been discerned over the last 2000 years of Christianity. This book is true to Scripture, the tradition of the early Church Fathers and Catholic Doctrine. It speaks strongly against modern tendencies to deny the concept of absolute truth found in moral relativism. This is a must reading for all who are seeking the truth revealed to us by Christianity.

John Paul's words moved me, touched me, and inspired me to live closer to Christ. A man so filled with God's spirit is impossible to ignore and John Paul clearly shows us the way to spiritual intimacy and peace. An extraordinary little book!

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.

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.

Being one of PJP's biggest fans I was on tenterhooks to find out how the holy father starts his day and boy oh boy I wasn't dissapointed.
This booki is jam packed with amusing anecdotes like the time the holy father met Rabbi Lionel Blue for coissants and prune juice on the Mary Magdalene verranda overlooking St Peter's Square.
The good Rabbi presented the pontiff with a glass case containing the foreskins of celebrity jews including Sammy Davis Junior and Dana International.
Oh how I laughed - Papal Bull? I thought I'd had a cow!
I found it holy enjoyable and I hope the sales are mass-ive.

I'm not Catholic but I was really looking forward to reading this book and I have only been disappointed in one area. If you like the Pope -and let's face he is a pretty popular guy- then you will like this book. Much of the wit and common sense that make John Paul II a favorite even among Protestants come through in his writings of which these readings are a sample. My only complaint is that there are 120 rather than 365 or 366. I would like to have had breakfast every day with the Pope rather than being shorted. I am sure there was sufficient material to fill a larger book. Maybe they are saving it for another repast.

I find it very funny that the dope from Minn, ripped apart the book while giving a 5 star rating. Stupid is as stupid does.

I am an upper middle-class Catholic who works with educated people in a university setting who is very disappointed by the way the Church responds to the demands of my fellow citizens for a Church that affirms and nurtures them toward a more enlightened understanding of what it means to be an empowered Christian who liberates others from the bonds of poverty, AIDS, unemployment, disabilities, etc. We need a Pope who is capable of making something more of his time and our with the platitudes that are contained in this book. There is nothing that touches us, so cold and unfeeling it is in its approach to the historical Jesus who, after all, is more like us than we can ever imagine. If other women, especially women like Mary Daly, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Starhawk, Madonna Kolbenschlag, Joan Chittister -- the true intellectuals of the Church (along with Thomas Merton and Thomas Moore -- see his work on sexuality!)our children would be the beneficiaries of the next renaissance and not His Holiness's high handed attitude.

My wife and I read this book as we prepared for marriage, and it's the best book we've read on the subject. Though we are not Catholics, we recognize the beautiful truths of Pope John Paul II's vision of divine and human love. Crossing the Threshold of Love descibes marriage in its fullness--as God intended it. Any book on marriage that ignores such fundamental issues as fertility cycles and contraception is not worth your time. Mary Shivanandan is an honest, informed, and trustworthy guide in these matters. Though not an easy read, it is well worth the effort.

This book is stunning. How beautiful is God's gift of our body, I realized after reading it. This world proclaims that the human body is made for gratification and manipulation, but we know deep down there has to be more. Pope John Paul II has given the defining answer through his writings on the theology of the body. Sadly, many of us have not heard it or cannot comprehend it. This book by Dr. Shivanandan clearly and concisely elucidates the reader on the mind of this Pope. In Crossing the Threshold of Love, the layperson can see the link from the creation of man, of men and women, in God's image to day-to-day relationships with others.

Married couples, single persons, parents, priests, seminarians, teachers -- all can peel away years of misunderstanding the true theology of the body with their read of this book. So much of life's beauty is revealed. A profound sense of serenity with one's sexuality can be the result.

It is not for wimps, though. It took time to read and upon reflection to appreciate this work. It is more than worth the effort.

Crossing the Threshold of Love will remain a timeless resource for meditation and for improving relations with one another.

Finally, a book about His Holiness that is full of pictures, but also full of Papal info. If you're a Roman Catholic or a fan of the Supreme Pontiff, this is a must buy.

I loved this book about John Paul II (the Pope of Hope)!!! The authors gave us a little of everything, not an easy task for a man with so much history behind him. This is the first book where I have gone over pages more than once, twice. I wanted to absorb every word, every picture. The side stories were also a special treat. I respect and admire the pope even more. I now feel well prepared to read George Weigel's recently published autobiography on JPII, Witness to Hope. Thank you Monsignor Virgilio Levi and Christine Allison for giving us something so inspiring.

I found this work to be an extremely thorough examination of Pope John Paul II's views, thoughts and teachings that helps shapes contemporary Catholic thinking.

Antoine Nachef has a true vision into the Catholic faith, this book has incredible insight into the philosophy of Pope John Paul II and his ministry, it is an excellent read and only superlatives can adequately describe this magnificant work. As a former student of Nachef I have read all of his works and they are wonderful and Mary's Pope is no exception, an essential read for the faithful Christian.

This is one of the best books that I have read on the theology of Pope John Paul II. The book Witness To Hope by George Weigel was good but lacked the theological ideas/philosophy of this Pope. I highly recommend this book as to Catholic theology for both Catholics and Protestants.

Another Dulles masterpiece---clear, balanced, sympathetic to the pope's position but not without some critical questions. The book gets at the religious vision animating the moral and political positions. A dazzler.

As a Catholic I once had my doubts about the Church's teaching on contraception. Later I came to oppose contraception for practical reasons and out of obedience. Then one day I stumbled accross WHY HUMANAE VITAE WAS RIGHT and once I started reading there was no putting it down. The beauty of this work is that it is a collection of writings from a variety of authors each with a unique perspective and each with his own unique style. So then, there is something for everyone. Whether the reader preferrs to hear personal experiences or wants to see it all in a syllogism, this book delivers. This is a must read for anyone who is feeling pressured to disregard the Church's teaching for it shows the wisdom, beauty, and bottom line common sense of the Church's stance.

...my husband decided to not use any method of artificial birth control. It was a struggle for both of us, but this book really put the moral law into perspective. Janet Smith does a wonderful (and very non-preachy job) of explaining what contraception does to a marriage. In particular, the "testimony" chapter in this book was a thump on the head as we read about couples whose marriages improved when they started embracing their fertility as a gift, not a disease. Janet Smith believes contraception makes couples fight each other, and forces a woman to become constantly infertile to accomadate the constant fertility of a man. Thats one of the best reasons given in the book for the use of Natural Family Planning, so that the man must acclimate himself to his WIFE'S cyclical fertility.

This book is a must read no matter what you believe about the Catholic position on artificial birth control. Get the facts.

The Wisdom of John Paul II describes the Pope's innermost thoughts on subjects such as abortion, education, war, religion, and love. The book is well-written and interesting as well because it's made of quotes from speeches made by the Holy Father. The Pope's views on certain issues have often been controversial, but certainly there's a lot of wisdom in his words.

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.