The Surprising Pope Understanding the Thought of John Paul II

by Zieba, Maciej, O.P.; Pawlowicz, Adam; Weening, Karolina; Novak, Michael

• ISBN13: 9780739101452
• ISBN10: 0739101455
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-08-02
• Publisher: Lexington Books

Summary

On the wave of Pope John Paul II's recent extraordinary journeys to places such as Cuba and Israel comes this new, accessible survey of his teachings from one of his closest associates. Father Maciej Zieba, a Pole who came back to Catholicism after studies in physics and activist efforts with Solidarnosc, was ordained as a Dominican priest. Young, media-savvy, and down-to-earth as well as erudite and profound, Father Zieba has become known in Poland as an engaging interpreter of the Pope's teachings. Published here in English are eleven "conversations"--originally interviews conducted for a series of programs on Polish television--on the most important points of John Paul II's teachings. Journalist Adam Pawlowicz represents the reader in dialogue with Zieba, who not only clarifies these teachings but also confronts contemporary critiques. Tackling such complex issues as freedom, democracy, ecumenicalism, and sexuality with grace and equanimity, The Surprising Pope is a major contribution to our understanding of the papacy of John Paul II.

Author Biography

Maciej Zieba, O.P., is a close associate of John Paul II and regularly represents the Pope to the Polish media. He is the founder of the 'Tertio Millennio' Institute in Krakow

Table of Contents

Foreword: The Pope and the Dominican	vii
Michael Novak
Introduction: An Explanation and an Invitation	1	(2)
Stereotypes	3	(18)
Be Not Afraid!	21	(22)
Reading History	43	(12)
Place Demands on Yourself	55	(12)
The Lessons of Solidarity	67	(12)
The Test of Freedom	79	(20)
Democracy and the Church	99	(14)
The Christian in the Free Market	113	(12)
Sex and the Church	125	(24)
Our Brothers and Sisters: Reflections on Ecumenism	149	(20)
The Church and the Contemporary World	169	(20)
Epilogue Time: God's Expression	189	(14)
Concluding Notes Diary of a Polish Priest	203	(4)
Name Index	207	(2)
About the Author	209