What do you think?
Rate this book
Crossing the Threshold of Hope
A great international bestseller, the book in which, on the eve of the millennium, Pope John Paul II brings to an accessible level the profoundest theological concerns of our lives. He goes to the heart of his personal beliefs and speaks with passion about the existence of God; about the dignity of man; about pain, suffering, and evil; about eternal life and the meaning of salvation; about hope; about the relationship of Christianity to other faits and that of Catholicism to other branches of the Christian faith.With the humility and generosity of spirit for which he is known, John Paul II speaks directly and forthrightly to all people. His Be not afraid!
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 1994
278 people are currently reading
3730 people want to read
About the author
Pope John Paul II
1,092 books628 followersSaint Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus II), born Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected Pope at the Conclave of 16 October 1978, and he took the name of John Paul II. On 22 October, the Lord's Day, he solemnly inaugurated his Petrine ministry as the 263rd successor to the Apostle. His pontificate, one of the longest in the history of the Church, lasted nearly 27 years.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
August 14, 2014
Read this when it first came out and loved it ... even then. Just finished listening to it again. I “hear” so much of his philosophy now that I'm sure I didn't appreciate 15 years ago—both because of my age and spiritual immaturity then and also because of how little I knew about and understood the profound depths of his wisdom and holiness. Even now, I wonder how much of it I begin to grasp...
The book reminded me of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’s* Salt of the Earth: The Church at the End of the Millennium - An Interview With Peter Seewald in the respect that it revolves around a question/answer format. Initially the interviewer wanted to meet with the pope directly but his busy schedule never allowed for that. Instead, the intended questions were left with Pope John Paul II and the answers received to those original questions comprise the text of the book.
Every question is answered fully, directly, completely and without equivocation. It makes for fascinating reading, listening and meditation. Highly recommended!
*Pope Benedict XVI
The book reminded me of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’s* Salt of the Earth: The Church at the End of the Millennium - An Interview With Peter Seewald in the respect that it revolves around a question/answer format. Initially the interviewer wanted to meet with the pope directly but his busy schedule never allowed for that. Instead, the intended questions were left with Pope John Paul II and the answers received to those original questions comprise the text of the book.
Every question is answered fully, directly, completely and without equivocation. It makes for fascinating reading, listening and meditation. Highly recommended!
*Pope Benedict XVI
November 23, 2016
Outstanding book and a definite must read for all Catholics!
February 21, 2012
Very good book if you want to understand the position of the Catholic Church as it stands today on modern social issues, and why these things are not opinion-based, but reflect a consistency with the faith from centuries before. Sin does not change but remains the same. Temptation is what changes, and our culture is full of new temptations that lead us to sin. Yet the eternal truths about sin have not changed at all.
JPII puts the transition of old to new into perspective and explains the foundation of why the Church preaches, teaches, and believes that modernity has a great potential but also a great battle ahead. Marxist revolutions were only the beginning of a much larger trend of man to reject God entirely in every aspect of life, but this is symptomatic of a larger fear of what might happen if mankind truly accepted God and accepted his forgiveness of our wretched sinfulness. JPII wisely suggests it is fear that will be the biggest enemy in the future when he offers his advice: "be not afraid!"
Finally, the new evangelization is a concept laid out in this book which brings hope, that there is a way to bring mankind back to a wholeness of self, to human rights, to respect and dignity of the human life, to sacrifices for the sake of others, because in truth, the new evangelization is not much different from the old evangelization, to be in the world but not of the world, to profess our faith in word and deed, and again, to "be not afraid!"
JPII puts the transition of old to new into perspective and explains the foundation of why the Church preaches, teaches, and believes that modernity has a great potential but also a great battle ahead. Marxist revolutions were only the beginning of a much larger trend of man to reject God entirely in every aspect of life, but this is symptomatic of a larger fear of what might happen if mankind truly accepted God and accepted his forgiveness of our wretched sinfulness. JPII wisely suggests it is fear that will be the biggest enemy in the future when he offers his advice: "be not afraid!"
Finally, the new evangelization is a concept laid out in this book which brings hope, that there is a way to bring mankind back to a wholeness of self, to human rights, to respect and dignity of the human life, to sacrifices for the sake of others, because in truth, the new evangelization is not much different from the old evangelization, to be in the world but not of the world, to profess our faith in word and deed, and again, to "be not afraid!"
June 10, 2018
I'm not a Roman Catholic, but as a guy who tries to be ecumenical and history-concious, I like their style. And the title "His Holiness" is hard to beat. So when I came across a copy of a little book I'd heard praised, by one of my students, by a guy whose title is both His Holiness and The Blessed (I think-- he's a Pope/ saint, anyway), I thought I'd give it a read.
It was good. The story of how it came to be is nice, and it offers an interesting perspective on a lot of the historical and spiritual things going on in the world. I like the idea of sort of concentric circles of truth and finding places of shared truth with different people groups-- I'd heard that before from a very smart Catholic guy and it's presented in here in an unsystimatic manner.
Here's a quote which is pretty representitive of the philosophically-rooted but practically-minded style I like in the Catholics I've gotten to know:
The person is a being for whom the only suitable dimension is love. We are just to a person if we love him. This is as true for God as it is for man.
Cool.
It was good. The story of how it came to be is nice, and it offers an interesting perspective on a lot of the historical and spiritual things going on in the world. I like the idea of sort of concentric circles of truth and finding places of shared truth with different people groups-- I'd heard that before from a very smart Catholic guy and it's presented in here in an unsystimatic manner.
Here's a quote which is pretty representitive of the philosophically-rooted but practically-minded style I like in the Catholics I've gotten to know:
The person is a being for whom the only suitable dimension is love. We are just to a person if we love him. This is as true for God as it is for man.
Cool.
August 24, 2019
This is the first time I read a book written by St. John Paul II himself. And I loved it! In reading this book, you will get to learn about the wisdom of this great saint. The book was based on an interview made up of different questions so that means St. John Paul II discusses different topics in this book. Every answer St. John Paul II gave was full of wisdom and compassion. Knowing that John Paul II is very famous as a learned theologian and philosopher, I can assure you that the book is very easy to read.
So many different topics were discussed in this book and I don't think it will be easy for me to talk about all of them in this review. How can I write a review about a book that talks about so many different things? All I can do is say that it was insightful and inspiring. I'm just so glad to read this book by a good and faithful servant of Christ. But since I can't talk about all the things discussed in "Crossing the Threshold of Hope", I will just talk about my favorite part of the book.
My favorite part of the book is the chapter where St. John Paul II talks about the youth. When the interviewer asks him about his hope for young people, St. John Paul II's answer was so inspiring. It really moved me because I am a young person myself. Reading the words he said, I can truly see how much he loved the youth. He has so much more hope for the youth than the young people I know and talk to everyday. He understands the youth and he knows how to inspire them. I hope that there will be more people who love the youth that much because it is those kinds of people that the youth need.
That is just a little bit of the insight and inspiration I got from the book. Even if the book is quite short, there is actually so much more you can find if you read it.
So many different topics were discussed in this book and I don't think it will be easy for me to talk about all of them in this review. How can I write a review about a book that talks about so many different things? All I can do is say that it was insightful and inspiring. I'm just so glad to read this book by a good and faithful servant of Christ. But since I can't talk about all the things discussed in "Crossing the Threshold of Hope", I will just talk about my favorite part of the book.
My favorite part of the book is the chapter where St. John Paul II talks about the youth. When the interviewer asks him about his hope for young people, St. John Paul II's answer was so inspiring. It really moved me because I am a young person myself. Reading the words he said, I can truly see how much he loved the youth. He has so much more hope for the youth than the young people I know and talk to everyday. He understands the youth and he knows how to inspire them. I hope that there will be more people who love the youth that much because it is those kinds of people that the youth need.
That is just a little bit of the insight and inspiration I got from the book. Even if the book is quite short, there is actually so much more you can find if you read it.
March 31, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. It is fairly short and so a quick read. It is interesting in that it is formulated from questions posed by a journalist and the written answers that Pope John Paul II sent back to him when there interview wasn't able to happen.
I was recently having conversations about the Catholic Church's opinion of other religions and how much I liked how very open they were. This book quotes from the Nostra Aetate: "The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. The Church has a high regard for their conduct and way of life, for those precepts and doctrines which, although differing on many points from that which the Church believes and propounds, often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men." And later: "Instead of marveling at the fact that Providence allows such a great variety of religions, we should be mazed at the number of common elements found within them."
Of course, the book is not limited to this topic, but addresses (among others): The Papacy, whether God exists, why God tolerates suffering, and then addresses separately Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam; as well as eternal life and the theme of John Paul II's papacy, "Be Not Afraid!"
I was recently having conversations about the Catholic Church's opinion of other religions and how much I liked how very open they were. This book quotes from the Nostra Aetate: "The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. The Church has a high regard for their conduct and way of life, for those precepts and doctrines which, although differing on many points from that which the Church believes and propounds, often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men." And later: "Instead of marveling at the fact that Providence allows such a great variety of religions, we should be mazed at the number of common elements found within them."
Of course, the book is not limited to this topic, but addresses (among others): The Papacy, whether God exists, why God tolerates suffering, and then addresses separately Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam; as well as eternal life and the theme of John Paul II's papacy, "Be Not Afraid!"
March 8, 2014
My first Lenten read this year. I chose this because Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) will be canonized next month (April 27, 2014). When he died in 2005, the Catholic Church waived the 5-year waiting period for the road to canonization to start. He was proclaimed Venerable in 2009 and Beatified in 2011. So far, he is my favorite pope. He came to the Philippines twice: in 1981 when I was 17 years old and a college student in Baguio City:
and in 1995 during the World Youth Day. I did not have the chance to see him in person but intently watched him on television and followed his schedules during those visits. In 1995, I was 30 years old and my wife and I could still be qualified as "youth" because by definition, youth are all those 40 and below. However, my wife was about to give birth (due that month) but I remember that we heeded the call of the church to let the Christmas lights on for the Pope to see the beauty of the country still full of lights. Here is the Pope watching our native dance, the Tinikling:
Nice. If I just knew how to dance the tinikling, I would have volunteered to perform. But then that time, who would have thought that the Pope would become a saint? He was reported to be the cause why a French nun was cured of Parkinson's disease.
This book Crossing the Threshold of Hope was compiled and edited by a Vittorio Messori who is a journalist wanting to interview the Pope in 1994. But the Pope was busy and so he just sent his questions and the Pope answered in writing. The book was published originally in Italian by Messori in 1994 and translated and published by Alfred A. Knoft in 1998 two years before the millennium. It was a timely book because people were apprehensive (millennium bug, end of the world, etc) at that time so the people slogan of "Be Not Afraid!" echoed in the heads among believers and even non-believers as they entered the new millennium. "Do not be afraid" is repeated many a times in the Bible. My favorites are these:
It is in the form of Q&A and useful for anyone who would like to know how Pope John Paul II stood on not only about the important issues during his papacy but also those that the Church is still facing nowadays. I enjoyed tremendously those anecdotes that he mentioned especially when he was still a child or a young man in Poland. His father was the one who introduced him to Christ by giving him a book and this was before they went underground before WWII. He first shied away from venerating Mary because he would like to concentrate on Christ but later he learned that the road to Christ is through Mary being the Mother of God. I also enjoyed his story growing up with Jewish friends and witnessing them practicing their faith in the synagogues. Now the synagogues are gone because the Hitler armies destroyed them but then his friends were thinking of building them up and even if Pope John Paul was not Jewish he helped his friends to build those. I think this was something he carried to his papacy that was why he was open with communicating and talking to other faiths and pushed for ecumenism.
There are many other insights and learnings that one can take away from this book. One thing is sure though: when I finished and finally closed this book? I love Pope John Paul more.
That should not be surprising though. By 1998, this book had sold several million copies and was published in forty languages, and over one million copies were sold in Italy alone, says Wikipedia.
and in 1995 during the World Youth Day. I did not have the chance to see him in person but intently watched him on television and followed his schedules during those visits. In 1995, I was 30 years old and my wife and I could still be qualified as "youth" because by definition, youth are all those 40 and below. However, my wife was about to give birth (due that month) but I remember that we heeded the call of the church to let the Christmas lights on for the Pope to see the beauty of the country still full of lights. Here is the Pope watching our native dance, the Tinikling:
Nice. If I just knew how to dance the tinikling, I would have volunteered to perform. But then that time, who would have thought that the Pope would become a saint? He was reported to be the cause why a French nun was cured of Parkinson's disease.
This book Crossing the Threshold of Hope was compiled and edited by a Vittorio Messori who is a journalist wanting to interview the Pope in 1994. But the Pope was busy and so he just sent his questions and the Pope answered in writing. The book was published originally in Italian by Messori in 1994 and translated and published by Alfred A. Knoft in 1998 two years before the millennium. It was a timely book because people were apprehensive (millennium bug, end of the world, etc) at that time so the people slogan of "Be Not Afraid!" echoed in the heads among believers and even non-believers as they entered the new millennium. "Do not be afraid" is repeated many a times in the Bible. My favorites are these:
"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6)Anyway, I digressed. About the book...
"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." (Matthew 10:26)
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)
"But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30)
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2:10)
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." (Acts 18:9)
"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10)
It is in the form of Q&A and useful for anyone who would like to know how Pope John Paul II stood on not only about the important issues during his papacy but also those that the Church is still facing nowadays. I enjoyed tremendously those anecdotes that he mentioned especially when he was still a child or a young man in Poland. His father was the one who introduced him to Christ by giving him a book and this was before they went underground before WWII. He first shied away from venerating Mary because he would like to concentrate on Christ but later he learned that the road to Christ is through Mary being the Mother of God. I also enjoyed his story growing up with Jewish friends and witnessing them practicing their faith in the synagogues. Now the synagogues are gone because the Hitler armies destroyed them but then his friends were thinking of building them up and even if Pope John Paul was not Jewish he helped his friends to build those. I think this was something he carried to his papacy that was why he was open with communicating and talking to other faiths and pushed for ecumenism.
There are many other insights and learnings that one can take away from this book. One thing is sure though: when I finished and finally closed this book? I love Pope John Paul more.
That should not be surprising though. By 1998, this book had sold several million copies and was published in forty languages, and over one million copies were sold in Italy alone, says Wikipedia.
July 4, 2020
It is great to read the words of a Saint and their take on issues that we are facing today. I loved it.
February 29, 2024
Remarkably broad and thought-provoking. A true tour de force of intelligence and compassion. I found the discussions on Vatican II and 20th century culture particularly interesting.
January 11, 2008
St. Augustine said, "Audi partem alteram (hear the other side)."
As a Protestant Evangelical, I had grown up hearing only the Protestant side of why Catholics are at best Christians with a lot of traditionalist baggage and at worst not really Christians. Have you ever heard someone ask, "Are you Catholic or Christian?" with all sincerity?
In an effort to get my information from the proverbial horse's mouth, I went to the top -- The Pope.
This book is a good introduction to Pope John Paul II's post-Vatican II Catholicism. It is set up in question-answer format with him and an Italian journalist. He covers lots of issues that Protestants and many others will find very relevant with a surprsing ring of familiarity.
Is this guy a Christian??!!!
As a Protestant Evangelical, I had grown up hearing only the Protestant side of why Catholics are at best Christians with a lot of traditionalist baggage and at worst not really Christians. Have you ever heard someone ask, "Are you Catholic or Christian?" with all sincerity?
In an effort to get my information from the proverbial horse's mouth, I went to the top -- The Pope.
This book is a good introduction to Pope John Paul II's post-Vatican II Catholicism. It is set up in question-answer format with him and an Italian journalist. He covers lots of issues that Protestants and many others will find very relevant with a surprsing ring of familiarity.
Is this guy a Christian??!!!
April 12, 2014
I am trying to read books about Christianity. This book is a collection of Q&A by Pope John Paul II about religion, especially Christianity.
The good side, this book expresses many view of Christianity by one of the most important figure in 20th century. The bad side, most of the questions are answered indirectly. Sometimes I feel that the Pope didn't answer the question at all. And the answers are highly theological and confusing.
I don't like many of the points expressed in this book, especially theological points. I respect people who have these views (except when they force them into my throat). They are just not my taste.
The good side, this book expresses many view of Christianity by one of the most important figure in 20th century. The bad side, most of the questions are answered indirectly. Sometimes I feel that the Pope didn't answer the question at all. And the answers are highly theological and confusing.
I don't like many of the points expressed in this book, especially theological points. I respect people who have these views (except when they force them into my throat). They are just not my taste.
March 28, 2023
This is the second piece of literature I have read by JPII this year and was once again captivated by his words. Just in case though anyone was a little mislead by the title in thinking it might be a book solely on the virtue of hope, it is not. This book addresses literally the biggest questions of Catholicism i.e "Does God exist?", "Why does God allow suffering?", Salvation, the question of other religions, and many other topics. The book is written in a question and answer style. It was very informative and gave me a better insight to topics that I knew a little about. JPII gave concise easy to understand answers to some of the biggest questions we face as Catholics . Honestly, I think this book is great resource for a quick brush up on apologetics and is a good reference to have if you are ever having a philosophical or theological discussion. Overall, enjoyed the book a lot.
March 25, 2025
banger alert
July 8, 2014
I inter-library loaned this book since Fr. Barron of Word on Fire ministries said that his "we have a reasonable hope that all people are saved" quote followed the teaching of St. John Paul II (JP2) as outlined in a part of his Crossing the Threshold of Hope. It seemed as though Fr. Barron was promoting universalism. The "Does 'Eternal Life' Exist?" chapter got to the heart of the matter.
Overall, this book was a written dialog between a secular reporter and the Pope. The reporter asked all the overarching questions that most non-Christians (and even Christians) ask. The best chapter was the one that explains the phrase, "the fear of God". Many Christians, including myself, have difficulty understanding this concept, but JP2 explained it in a satisfying way.
Returning to the eternal life/salvation question, JP2 mentioned that the possibility of eternal damnation in Hell doesn't seem like a destination that the True God who is Love would actually send people. However, to me, there was certainly nothing explicit, nor between-the-lines that would indicate that Hell was not a possible outcome for people's eternity for the True God who is Justice, especially since Jesus Himself in the Gospels talked of Hell so often.
The key phrases for understanding JP2's take on Hell were (186), "[The problem of hell] is a mystery, truly inscrutable, which embraces the holiness of God and the conscience of man. The silence of the Church [regarding people that are sent to Hell] is, therefore, the only appropriate position for Christian faith." So, in the final analysis, it seems that the appropriate position of Fr. Barron is to be silent on who may or may not be in Hell, while still proclaiming the teachings of Jesus about Hell that are revealed in the Gospels.
Overall, this book was a written dialog between a secular reporter and the Pope. The reporter asked all the overarching questions that most non-Christians (and even Christians) ask. The best chapter was the one that explains the phrase, "the fear of God". Many Christians, including myself, have difficulty understanding this concept, but JP2 explained it in a satisfying way.
Returning to the eternal life/salvation question, JP2 mentioned that the possibility of eternal damnation in Hell doesn't seem like a destination that the True God who is Love would actually send people. However, to me, there was certainly nothing explicit, nor between-the-lines that would indicate that Hell was not a possible outcome for people's eternity for the True God who is Justice, especially since Jesus Himself in the Gospels talked of Hell so often.
The key phrases for understanding JP2's take on Hell were (186), "[The problem of hell] is a mystery, truly inscrutable, which embraces the holiness of God and the conscience of man. The silence of the Church [regarding people that are sent to Hell] is, therefore, the only appropriate position for Christian faith." So, in the final analysis, it seems that the appropriate position of Fr. Barron is to be silent on who may or may not be in Hell, while still proclaiming the teachings of Jesus about Hell that are revealed in the Gospels.
June 21, 2007
This is one of the most significant theological works of the 20th century, if not one of the most important ever produced in the Christian tradition. I put it right next to my St. James Bible and Reinhold Neibuhr's "Moral Man and Immoral Society" on the bookshelf. It's more or less the transcript of an interview that Pope John Paul II had with a British journalist. The journalist forces His Holiness to confront the most controversial questions facing the Roman Catholic Church, including Christianity's relationship with Islam and Judaism, questions of human suffering, pain, and evil, and the essence of faith in God and living a life of hope, dignity, clarity, and vision. In an era of the Catholic Church in which the current Pope has openly criticized the Islamic faith as inherently violent while radical Islamic jihadists declare a military crusade against America and the West, and in which the Vatican releases lists on the religious implications of being a nice driver, Pope John Paul II's restores dignity to the Catholic tradition by answering each question gracefully. It's a remarkable and timely response to the widespread secular criticism of the Catholic Church following the disgraceful sexual abuse scandal of the 90s as well. One of my all-time favorites, and I recommend anyone who wants to truly understand Catholicism and the purpose of living a Christian life to read it cover to cover. It's short and great.
May 30, 2015
Be not afraid! (to read this book).
I loved this Q & A between an Italian journalist and St. John Paul II, but it did present some challenges. This book is unique in that the style is informal, yet the content ranges from deep philosophical theories (JP II's patented phenomenological background) to theology (in his replies he refers to many of the Church's Encyclicals and the Magisterium's documents issued after the Second Vatican Council).
The range of topics covered (the renewed Marian devotions, human rights, abortion and the culture of death, ecumenism, attitudes regarding Muslims and Buddhists, the Church's relevance in the modern world, the problem of good and evil, etc.) offers a goldmine of information on John Paul II's own personal views and those views are complimented with the Church's official position. The answers provided are succinct, yet complete.
Although it is clear that this interview takes place at the close of the twentieth century, most of the topics covered have been debated and explored by the faithful since Jesus' time.
Be warned, however, that one will walk away from reading Crossing the Threshold of Hope with a fairly extensive reading list.
This small volume of insights is essential reading for Catholics who take their faith seriously and for readers interested in further exploring Catholic theology and social doctrine.
I loved this Q & A between an Italian journalist and St. John Paul II, but it did present some challenges. This book is unique in that the style is informal, yet the content ranges from deep philosophical theories (JP II's patented phenomenological background) to theology (in his replies he refers to many of the Church's Encyclicals and the Magisterium's documents issued after the Second Vatican Council).
The range of topics covered (the renewed Marian devotions, human rights, abortion and the culture of death, ecumenism, attitudes regarding Muslims and Buddhists, the Church's relevance in the modern world, the problem of good and evil, etc.) offers a goldmine of information on John Paul II's own personal views and those views are complimented with the Church's official position. The answers provided are succinct, yet complete.
Although it is clear that this interview takes place at the close of the twentieth century, most of the topics covered have been debated and explored by the faithful since Jesus' time.
Be warned, however, that one will walk away from reading Crossing the Threshold of Hope with a fairly extensive reading list.
This small volume of insights is essential reading for Catholics who take their faith seriously and for readers interested in further exploring Catholic theology and social doctrine.
March 22, 2020
I decided to read this book for lent, just to take a break from historical novels or thrillers and have a more meaningful read. I loved this book, especially with all that is going on with the Coronavirus.
This book was the result of a cancelled interview due to the Pope’s ever shifting schedule. But the Pope had asked for the interviewer’s questions in writing. About a year after that the interviewer received a packet of papers, much to his surprise, that were the answers. They form the basis of this book.
The book is a quick read and one that allows short reads as each chapter is a Q&A. The answers are very faith based, but answered in such a way I believe it would appeal far beyond only the Catholics. At a time when so much has gone so wrong, this book puts everything in context.
The only reason I rated it a four out of five is because occasionally there are references to eschatology that I feel pushes the reader away from the otherwise simple and touching narrative.
That narrative is simple. “Be Not Afraid!”
This book was the result of a cancelled interview due to the Pope’s ever shifting schedule. But the Pope had asked for the interviewer’s questions in writing. About a year after that the interviewer received a packet of papers, much to his surprise, that were the answers. They form the basis of this book.
The book is a quick read and one that allows short reads as each chapter is a Q&A. The answers are very faith based, but answered in such a way I believe it would appeal far beyond only the Catholics. At a time when so much has gone so wrong, this book puts everything in context.
The only reason I rated it a four out of five is because occasionally there are references to eschatology that I feel pushes the reader away from the otherwise simple and touching narrative.
That narrative is simple. “Be Not Afraid!”
June 10, 2023
I have a deep affection for the intellect of Pope Saint John Paul the Great.
I highly recommend this read to non-Catholics as a miniature catechism of the Church’s stance on great issues (Who is God? What is the need for faith? How does love factor into human rights?)
But I recommend this specifically to Catholics. Many people I know would benefit greatly from this easy read. It’s a compelling conversation with a saintly Pope who challenges the Church to choose mercy, love and kindness. (His views and prescriptions on the treatment of women are a breath of fresh air in a world that allows for men to treat women as objects of pleasure - sexual or otherwise.)
I cried multiple times from the sheer skill JPII constructs his arguments, the gentleness he admonishes the detractors of the Second Vatican Council, the firmness that he affirms Christian charity versus Eastern monastic asceticism and detachment, etc.
A man attuned to the heart of God. Pray for us.
I highly recommend this read to non-Catholics as a miniature catechism of the Church’s stance on great issues (Who is God? What is the need for faith? How does love factor into human rights?)
But I recommend this specifically to Catholics. Many people I know would benefit greatly from this easy read. It’s a compelling conversation with a saintly Pope who challenges the Church to choose mercy, love and kindness. (His views and prescriptions on the treatment of women are a breath of fresh air in a world that allows for men to treat women as objects of pleasure - sexual or otherwise.)
I cried multiple times from the sheer skill JPII constructs his arguments, the gentleness he admonishes the detractors of the Second Vatican Council, the firmness that he affirms Christian charity versus Eastern monastic asceticism and detachment, etc.
A man attuned to the heart of God. Pray for us.
December 13, 2015
When Saint John Paul the Great was pope, I was very young. I didn't follow his works, ways, and wonderful moments of holiness.
God blesses great communicators in a variety of ways though, and JPII will communicate to the world for years to come because his writing ability is amazing.
I am overjoyed to be able to read his works, ponder them, and discuss them with others.
For anyone considering this book, I advise you to envision yourself holding the book while holding a conversation with the Lord.
Why?
Because this book encourages readers to delve into prayer, action, and witness.
Allow the genius and holiness of JPII to encourage and carry you across the threshold of hope in your own life.
God blesses great communicators in a variety of ways though, and JPII will communicate to the world for years to come because his writing ability is amazing.
I am overjoyed to be able to read his works, ponder them, and discuss them with others.
For anyone considering this book, I advise you to envision yourself holding the book while holding a conversation with the Lord.
Why?
Because this book encourages readers to delve into prayer, action, and witness.
Allow the genius and holiness of JPII to encourage and carry you across the threshold of hope in your own life.
August 31, 2015
I really like this book. I picked it up at a thrift store and always admired Pope John Paul from a distance. I wondered about what the content would be like as i have not read many Catholic writers. I was delighted that he took seriously the intellectual dilemmas of the west and how they are couched in the development of thought especially rationalism and empiricism in the last few hundred years. I was glad to see that he saw this as a significant threat against a Christian critical realism. I think his work would be greatly enriched by a more trinitarian approach to his theology, however this may be the case in his other works. I especially appreciated how he engaged with the question of other religions. A warm hearted, yet spirited defense and exposition of the Christian faith.
November 30, 2008
Some reviewers have criticized the Pope's lack of directness in answering some of the questions. The Pope doesn't deny that some of the most persistently questioned issues of Christianity, Catholicism and faith aren't easily answered. He contends, though, that faith does lead to wisdom and to better understanding of both the vague answers and reasons for that uncertainty. Yes, it's a circle of faith and logos; the seen and the unseen; progressivism and traditionalism; etc, etc, etc. And, I'm okay with that; I have to be! My only disappointment is that he did not devote more pages to his deep-rooted Marianism and what Marianism means today and to his discussion of women and their roles.
April 29, 2012
The book is written by a reporter/writer who gave Pope John Paul II a few major questions he wanted the Pope to comment on, and afterward he interviewed the Pope and was given the very in-depth responses to each of the questions. All of the questions addressed and responded to, therefore, had been given very thoughtful analysis and it shows when you read these just how thoughtful they really were. Reading this gives great insight to a great man, and reveals his thoughts, not only on the Catholic Church, but on a total world view. I really enjoyed this book.
September 24, 2018
Папа раскрывает важнейшие вопросы современности с позиции Вселенской Церкви. Читатель найдёт для себя ответы если на все, то на многие вопросы, которые волнуют современного верующего.
Цитата: «...У этого могучего протеста есть названия - сначала синагога, позже - ислам. И те, и другие не могут принять такого человечного Бога. Они возмущаются: «Это не подобает Богу! Он должен остаться совершенно трансцендентным, быть чистым Величием - разумеется, исполненным милосердия, но не настолько, чтобы Самому платить за вину Своего творения, за его грех...»
Цитата: «...У этого могучего протеста есть названия - сначала синагога, позже - ислам. И те, и другие не могут принять такого человечного Бога. Они возмущаются: «Это не подобает Богу! Он должен остаться совершенно трансцендентным, быть чистым Величием - разумеется, исполненным милосердия, но не настолько, чтобы Самому платить за вину Своего творения, за его грех...»
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this little series of questions from a journalist and answers from the beloved pope St. John Paul II. Much of what is presented here is reiteration of his other writings, but it is nice to have another glimpse of his great intellect, knowledge, faith and respect for human dignity. He is ever the professor here, answering the questions as a scholar and as a pastor. My favorite parts, though, are the anecdotes from and references to his life in Poland. It left me with a smile.
June 11, 2024
First book I’ve read by JPII. It was amazing. I think the format held it back but the content was so applicable to the daily life. I would just consider this an overview of his theology addressed by question format. (An interviewer posed him with a set of questions, each answer is a chapter). I would highly recommend to all because it is just a wonderful invitation into a deeper consideration of Christian theology.
December 3, 2016
While I found this a difficult read, in the end I was left with an overwhelming sense of hope.
I read slowly, with a great deal of introspection, and still was left wondering at the end of some chapters "But what was the answer to the question?"
Other chapters were clear, and I have great respect for the mindfulness and wisdom characterized by Pope John Paul II.
I read slowly, with a great deal of introspection, and still was left wondering at the end of some chapters "But what was the answer to the question?"
Other chapters were clear, and I have great respect for the mindfulness and wisdom characterized by Pope John Paul II.
July 3, 2007
Interesting to poke around in - makes you wonder if they're really John Paul's ideas or the ideas of the office of the Papacy. Either way there are lots of points that made me go "what the hell - how can he write that?"
September 22, 2010
Learned things as I read along with my group... Finding insightful meanings and discussing what each chapter means puts things into a perspective... It is virtually an interview with John Pope II and his perspective on different areas of the religion...
May 20, 2020
3.5 stars
Wonderful essays by HH Pope John Paul II. These were my religious readings for part of the year back in 2003 - 2004. Really challenged a lot of my ideas and understanding of my faith and doctrine, esp. socially and theologically.
Wonderful essays by HH Pope John Paul II. These were my religious readings for part of the year back in 2003 - 2004. Really challenged a lot of my ideas and understanding of my faith and doctrine, esp. socially and theologically.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2016
It is a little (okay, a lot) rambling. It took me three reads before I started to understand some of what he was saying (but it reads really fast), but JPII was (is!) a saint, and one of the most important thinkers of our age.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews