Product Description

Renowned ethicist Richard Spinello offers the first comprehensive presentation of the moral vision of the late Pope John Paul II. The purpose of this book is two-fold--it not only persuasively presents the late pope's vital teachings, but also defends them against critics. Using John Paul II's own writing and speeches, Spinello examines the pope's essential teachings on issues such as reverence for life, concern for the poor and suffering, moral law, conscience, moral choice, intrinsically evil acts, goodness, and freedom. This important new work preserves and promotes the extraordinary legacy of John Paul II by focusing on his role as champion of universal human dignity and objective moral truths.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #791137 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-08
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .97 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Though beloved for his warmth and charismatic personality, Pope John Paul II was often portrayed in popular media as rigid and narrow-minded when it came to his pronouncements on moral issues. Spinello, director of ethics programs for the Carroll School of Management at Boston College, fiercely challenges that characterization in this overview of the late pope's moral teachings. Spinello explains that John Paul's views are founded on the Bible and the "living tradition" of the Catholic faith, including the early church fathers as well as the more recent writings of the Second Vatican Council. They are also shaped by philosophy, particularly the work of Thomas Aquinas. Spinello goes on to outline those views, often contrasting them with those of dissenting Catholic voices. Readers who want more than the sound-byte version of John Paul's moral positions and are willing to dig deeper into the underpinnings of the late pope's thinking will find Spinello's work both thoughtful and thorough. (Feb.)
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Review
Drawing on a vast body of materials, Dr. Spinello succeeds in lucidly synthesizing the moral teaching of Pope John Paul II. More than this, he puts that teaching in context, contrasting it with the views of other moral theologians, including some who criticize the pope. The book thus serves as a very informative survey of current debates in Catholic moral theory. (Dulles, Avery Cardinal S.J. )

In presenting excerpts from encyclicals such as Veritatis splendor (The Splendor of Truth), Spinello is able to distinguish moral theology from moral philosophy. John Paul believed in the ontological goodness of all creation, and from that basis comes his truth. Recommended for religious studies and scholarly collections. (Library Journal )

The Genius of John Paul II truly gave me a greater understanding of the writings of Pope John Paul II and I am glad to say I came away both more knowledgeable and with a even greater appreciation of a Pope I so dearly loved...This book is highly recommended. (Jeff Miller )

This will be an excellent book for students of Religious Studies. (Florence Waszkelewicz Clowes Polish American Journal, May 2007 )

About the Author
Richard A. Spinello is director of Ethics Programs for the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. He lives in Hyde Park, Massachusetts.