Crossing the Threshold of Hope

Rating:
Summary: Be Not Afraid!
Review: "Crossing The Threshold Of Hope" originated out of a planned televised interview of Pope John Paul II by an Italian journalist. When the Pope's schedule forced the cancellation of the interview the project seemed to have lapsed. A few months later the journalist was surprised when His Holiness provided written answers to the questions which had been posed, hence, this book.

In this book we read Pope John Paul II's views on a variety of the issues which capture the imagination of the modern public. Among the topics covered are The Papacy, Prayer, and How the Pope Prays. He expounds on Jesus, His role as the Son of God, the existence of God and its proof and why God seems to be hiding. We listen at the feet of the Master as he explains the meaning of salvation, comments on the multitude of religions, evangelization and the future of the Church. The Pope's enthusiasm for the young and his passion for human rights leap from the pages.

The reader of this book gets the kernel of John Paul II's teaching condensed into a book which is readable and understandable to a broad range of the public. The message of this spokesman for Christ comes through clearly and forcefully. I cannot recommend this book too highly. Be Not afraid! Pick up and Read!

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good, for a Pope!
Review: As a non-Catholic Christian, I was happy to find that I agree with most of this book. (Apart from the "Mother of God" chapter.) I was impressed by the intelligence, simplicity, and balance with which Pope John-Paul presented his ideas. It seemed to me that the pope must be aware of the ideas of great Christian thinkers like Lewis, Chesterton, and Pascal, and shares the same ability to express deep truths in terms that are easy to understand.

Some Buddhists, like Thich Nhat Hanh, have complained about the Pope's view of other religions. Thich actually rebuked the Pope for misunderstanding Christianity by calling Jesus "the only mediator between God and man!" Non-Christians should realize that, in this case, the Pope is only quoting Scripture. And as he also noted, Christianity "rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions." My own research is into what the Pope calls "semina Verbi," seeds of truth, in pre-Christian cultures, (especially Asian) and I thought his approach was fair. Of course he talks about many issues in this book: the fall of communism, abortion, the status of women, salvation, the existence of God. . . and does not go into any in great detail. It is an excellent book to read for an overall understanding of Catholic Christianity and the thinking of one very thoughtful Catholic in particular.

author, Jesus and the Religions of Man

Rating:
Summary: great intelligence and care
Review: Crossing the Threshold of Hope is a beautiful statement of fearless hope that is edifying not only for Roman Catholics but for all Christians as well as the rest of mankind at the beginning of this new Millennium.

As a non-Roman Catholic, I was surprised to have this Pope speak to my walk as a Christian in this book. He goes even further in addressing each reader, regardless of creed, as fellow human beings.

This book is written in an engaging question and answer format. John Paul II shows himself to be a man of great intelligence with a great care for all of humanity.

Reading this book would be beneficial for everyone. I recommend it.

Rating:
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!