Rating: 
Summary: criticism of other religions
Review: I was most interested in what the Pope had to say about other religions, especially Buddhism (being a Buddhist, I suppose this is natural). Since I am not Catholic I will leave aside any evaluation of the rest of the material--Catholics, and many Christians, will no doubt be inspired and educated by what the Pope says, and that is all well and fine. But I think it is interesting that people (in this case Catholics/Christians) turn to a member of their own religion to get information and explanation of some other religion. Would you, after all, go to a biologist to get an explanation of physics, or to a chess player for an explanation of black jack? As irrational (and, indeed, absurd) as it seems, this is rather a popular past time among Christian writers, and now the Pope has joined the fray. Since I would contend that I know and understand Buddhism considerably better than the Pope (I have been a student of the subject for almost 20 years) I can only say this: a criticism or critique of something, a subject or whatever, is only meaningful if the person doing the critiquing has both knowledge and understanding of his/her subject. Yet the Pope's knowledge is obviously second hand. Has he, for example, ever gone on a vipassana retreat, or read--with proper guidance--any Buddhist scriptures? I would guess not. Consequently, his understanding is at best, misguided, and at worst quite distorted. If it were not, I should--as someone knowledgeable of the subject of Buddhism--be able to concur with his statements as both factual and meaningful descriptions of the Buddha's Teaching. But I cannot, and therefore must dismiss the Pope's writing on Buddhism as inane babble. In fact, so obviously prejudiced is the Pope on the subject, that (and here I am going to step out on a limb) he reveals himself as not only a deeply prejudiced individual lacking in sound judgement, but as also a rather shallow intellect. The Pope, far from being infallible as some of his followers like to claim, is quite human and quite fallible and--dare I say it--has more than just a bit of hatred for things he does not even understand. I would expect better from someone who is the spiritual leader of more than a billion people, but then, truth (fortunately) is not a democracy.
Rating:
Summary: criticism of other religions
Review: I was most interested in what the Pope had to say about other religions, especially Buddhism (being a Buddhist, I suppose this is natural). Since I am not Catholic I will leave aside any evaluation of the rest of the material--Catholics, and many Christians, will no doubt be inspired and educated by what the Pope says, and that is all well and fine. But I think it is interesting that people (in this case Catholics/Christians) turn to a member of their own religion to get information and explanation of some other religion. Would you, after all, go to a biologist to get an explanation of physics, or to a chess player for an explanation of black jack? As irrational (and, indeed, absurd) as it seems, this is rather a popular past time among Christian writers, and now the Pope has joined the fray. Since I would contend that I know and understand Buddhism considerably better than the Pope (I have been a student of the subject for almost 20 years) I can only say this: a criticism or critique of something, a subject or whatever, is only meaningful if the person doing the critiquing has both knowledge and understanding of his/her subject. Yet the Pope's knowledge is obviously second hand. Has he, for example, ever gone on a vipassana retreat, or read--with proper guidance--any Buddhist scriptures? I would guess not. Consequently, his understanding is at best, misguided, and at worst quite distorted. If it were not, I should--as someone knowledgeable of the subject of Buddhism--be able to concur with his statements as both factual and meaningful descriptions of the Buddha's Teaching. But I cannot, and therefore must dismiss the Pope's writing on Buddhism as inane babble. In fact, so obviously prejudiced is the Pope on the subject, that (and here I am going to step out on a limb) he reveals himself as not only a deeply prejudiced individual lacking in sound judgement, but as also a rather shallow intellect. The Pope, far from being infallible as some of his followers like to claim, is quite human and quite fallible and--dare I say it--has more than just a bit of hatred for things he does not even understand. I would expect better from someone who is the spiritual leader of more than a billion people, but then, truth (fortunately) is not a democracy.
Rating: 
Summary: Unexpectedly readable, passionate, sympathetic toward ALL.
Review: In days when organized, traditional Christian religion--esp. Roman Catholicism--is not so chic, few persons receive attention when speaking on morals. The current Pope, love or hate him, gains the ear of more than any other figure in the world today. The book is surprisingly sympathetic toward those who do not yet have an inclination toward any religion in particular. His inspirational words exhort us to turn deaf ears to the prophets of doom. For the contemporary believer who unavoidably gives in to despair occasionally ("Children today are worse than ever," "The world is fearless of God"), the Roman Pontiff's words comfort and remind of the shame we ought feel for forgetting--however momentarily--that God walks with those who thirst for His ways, even those who walk with Him but do not explicitly recognize His friendship. To the as-yet non-believer, he also offers peace and urges patience, and patience with as-yet non-believers is urged from believers. To destroy hope--be it by personal despair or institutionalized practices like assisted suicide, euthanasia, eugenics or genocide, abortion, violence, oppression, poverty--is to tear down the greatest gift the Gospel offers
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and Inspirational
Review: Pope John Paul II is by far one of the most popular and beloved popes ever elected. His guidance and leadership has ushered in a new era and faith. This book is a honest and in-depth look at this leadership, Christianity and its current role in the world, the personal beliefs of His Holiness and what the future holds for us. This compilation by a most remarkable man is excellent reading for all faiths.
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Summary: I love the pope-you need to buy the below items on amazon
Review: The scriptures make it clear that jesus dies ONE TIME to pay the penalty for our sin and he does not die every sunday on millions of catholic alters accross the county in a never ending works system to make you worthy for heaven and to save you from a non existant purgatory. The scriptures you studied told you that the scriptures were the final authority yet you beleive the catholic church (man) is the final authority. My catholic church teaches there is no such thing as the rapture, yet the scriptures are crystal clear if you dont see it read "how close are we" by dave hunt(buy it here on amzon). My catholic church told my mom that the bible has errors and you cant take it literally and that story about johna was a fable. SHAME ON YOUR CHURCH. science has only established within the last century that there are mountian ranges on the ocean floor and yet 3000 years ago johna described them- BECAUSE HE WAS THERE like he said in the mouth of the whale. Jesus made reference to johna, coins have been dug up by archeologists with johna's picture- he was a real person not a fable. As far as the popes eucinsim movement; The bible says your church will head a one world religion as the whore of babolyn and it is getting there pretty quickly but it wont be a catholic religion it will be a pagan system like ancient rome. As it is now the pope joins hands with the dali lami , snake worshipers , nature worshipers, hindus and every religion you can think of claiming we all pray to the same god, this is so rediculous you cant even respond. The pope tells these leaders who clearly dont worship our god that all roads lead to the same heaven, HE IS SENDING THEM TO HELL with false hopes just as the old roman catholic church let people think they could buy their way out of sin with money, the current church will do anything to gain world wide control of all religions even if it means telling them lies that they will go to heaven. They will gain control- soon. Your marian movement is terrible, more prayers go to mary than jesus and soon the pope or the next pope, will pass a dogma calling her the co-redeemer. The church i attend at the beach i visit has a picture on the ceiling depicting mary as part of the holy trinity and that is exactly what the messages from this spirit being is requesting and your church is falling for satan appearing as an angel of light, again ignoring the scriptures you study.A catholic devoted to mary told me there is no such thing as demons and he knew it was actually mary and not satan becuase it was a female spirit- WOW thats scary. You need to watch messages from heaven you can get it here on amazon isbn#1-57341-119-1 or email me for help. As far as the age old debates catholics or protestants , you may want to take the time to research the arguments more.see the following; A woman rides the beast VHS & book Roman Catholiscism and the early church - a debate between dave hunt and carl keating catholicisim a crisis of faith - luman productions isbn#0-962-9152-0-3 kingdom dominion theology by dave hunt 25 messianc signs that christ will soon return 0-963-63655-3
Rating:
Summary: Crossing the Threshold of Hope
Review: This a good book and came in great condition
Rating:
Summary: Precise and extremely insightful, truly a man of God!!
Review: This book has answers to the most common, but yet, at times disturbing questions of the Catholic faith. The Pope is the ideal person to answer these since he is the most closely linked person to the very fundamental doctrines of the Church. Reading this book has surely made me more aware of my faith. A great job, Holy Father; God bless you always!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Crossing the Threshold of Readability
Review: This book I really thought was going to be a more didactical piece, but I found it to contain quite a few pieces of rethoric. It had many bright spots, but many parts contain endless quotes from encyclicals and past conciliums such as Vatican II and one in Latin. At least for the tape version this quoting business is not such a great idea. About the basic tenets of christianity, obviously John Paul II is right on the spot about the basic beliefs and when he expresses his own opinions it is interesting.
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Summary: On the Eve of Easter 1998- Be Not Afraid- says the Pope!
Review: This is the best little book on theology one could ever hope to read- Catholic or Protestant. Vittorio Messori (think of him as the Larry King of Italian television) poses the questions and the Pope responds in his own script! It was supposed to be a television interview. The theme is pure and simple and so right-BE NOT AFRAID. From Christmas mystery to Good Friday tragedy to Easter joy, be not afraid- God is there- with us. The first chapter is almost humorous. Vittorio says to the Pope, 'Some people are nervous about you calling yourself the 'Vicar of Christ''. Says the Pope,in so many words, 'Don't worry about it-be not afraid- look at the big picture- trust God- He will see you through'. The whole thing is done with humility and compassion.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book
Review: What a beautiful book! This book, I should point out, is intended for Catholics, but, as many reviewers have attested to, non-Catholics can get something out of it as well. The book is set-up in a question-and-answer format. Each of the Pope's answers is a gem of wisdom and spirituality. The answers are philosophical, intellectual renderings of the Pope's teachings. They are an outstretched hand to the modern world, offering the love of Christ and his Church to every human being. The tone is one of joy, hope, and courage. He covers the issues of atheism, triumphalism, abortion, the death penalty, ecumenism, and human rights ( to give a few examples). Some are angered by the Pope's answer on Buddhism, but I fail to see what they find offensive. The Pope explains the major differences between the religions. He puts to rest the notion that Buddhist mysticism and Christian mysticism are compatible. He doesn't say that Buddhism is from Satan or that Buddhism is devoid of any truth. In fact, John Paul acknowledges that most religions contain much truth. The Pope exhorts us to celebrate what we have in common. Enjoy!
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