The Gospel of Life: Evangelium Vitae

By Pope John Paul II

Book Overview

Reaffirming the "greatness and inestimable value of human life," Pope John Paul II discusses in this encyclical letter the present-day legal, ethical, and moral threats to life.

In view of today's climate of practical materialism, he addresses, among other issues:

abortionartificial reproduction techniquescontraceptiondeath penaltyeuthanasialegitimate defensesterilizationsuicide

The Holy Father encourages the faithful to promote and develop the Christian message concerning life, based on the goodness and dignity of life and on the human responsibility to share in the fullness and truth of God's love. In order to build a new culture of human life through prayer and action, he welcomes evangelization efforts and stresses the role of the family in bringing this to fruition. Noting the unique role of women in promoting a "new feminism" that overcomes discrimination, violence, and exploitation, the pope recognizes the witness of love through motherhood and also adds a special word to women who have had an abortion.

The letter concludes by looking to Jesus, in order that all may contemplate the life that was made manifest, and to the example and solace of Mary, who is the mother of life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555863167
• ISBN13: 9781555863166
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful, inspiring affirmation of human life

This document took my breath away. It is absolutely beautifully written, articulate, and ultimately inspiring. Though I am not Christian (I read Evangelium vitae in the course of an undergraduate thesis in bioethics), the teachings and beliefs truly resonated with me at a heartfelt level.

Great

Originally, I didn't get my product in time. After contacting the seller, was told that it was sent back to him because the address got smeared in the rain. But, he ended up giving me a full refund, and sent it speed delivery soon thereafter.

The Gospel of Life

The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae) To be read over and over and over again. Beautiful! I want to read everything John Paul II has written. He was a genius and definitely a saint. I love him.

An Execellent Argument for Life against Modernity

The ideas, the laws in favor of abortion and euthenasia are examined briefly but intently in this small book. People of all religions and of no religion will learn views of life that are important to recall. All human beings of whatever health are shown to be important for all of us. People who have disabilities, even severe disabilities are shown to give to us all; the book shows us this concept that we have either forgotten or rejected. The concept of Evil is discussed and I believe that even the non-religious can find it hard to reject as simply an "outdate idea that we 'know' isn't real" after reading these pages. This book is written in for all people, in a style that caused me to re-read parts, not because I didn't understand it after the first time but because of the richness and wisedom I read the first time.

The Gospel of Life - fantastic, fabulous news!!!

It's difficult to believe that this monumental encyclical has only had one reviewer! This is a life changing & culture changing masterpiece from the late Pope John Paul II.