THE GENIUS OF JOHN PAUL II: the great pope’s moral wisdom

by Richard A. Spinello

Sheed & Ward, 2007

224 pages, $22.95

To order: (800) 462-6420

rowmanlittlefield.com/Sheed

Most informed Catholics are familiar with Pope John Paul II’s positions on moral issues, especially those concerning human life. But how many are aware of the theological infrastructure that forms the basis for these views?

By uncovering what lies beneath John Paul’s passionate defense of human life and dignity, The Genius of John Paul II provides readers with a deeper understanding of Church teachings on such issues as abortion, stem-cell research and even worker rights.

Spinello, an ethics professor at Boston College, has written a broad summary and a macro analysis of John Paul’s moral thought. He doesn’t shy from comparing the late Holy Father’s work with that of some dissident theologians, but leaves no doubt as to where he stands. In his opening sentence, he labels the book “a reflection upon John Paul II’s presentation of the transcendent moral truth that reveals the path of righteousness.”

The author believes that one of John Paul’s key contributions to moral theology was his distinctive, Christ-centered methodology emphasizing Christian fidelity and discipleship. Spinello writes: “As a result, his writings on morality are a careful blend of Scriptural exegesis, prophetic criticism of lax moral standards in contemporary society and an exhortation or ‘instruction’ on how to live up to the moral demands of the faith.”

For example, he observes, the 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Value and Inviolability of Human Life) discusses life in the framework of the biblical story of Cain and Abel, goes on to make strong statements about the “culture of death” and exhorts Catholics about how they can promote a culture of life.

Spinello begins his book with an examination of faith and reason, John Paul’s approach to moral theology and the first Slavic Pope’s use of philosophy, particularly that of St. Thomas Aquinas. The author then discusses how John Paul’s major encyclicals on morality point to the weaknesses of such competing moral visions as ethical relativism and proportionalism before launching into a look at his understanding of the human person, freedom and the moral law and moral decision-making.

The Genius of John Paul II includes an impressively executed section on the frequently misunderstood notion of conscience. Quoting from the 1986 encyclical Dominum et Vivificantem (The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church and the World), Spinello explains how John Paul has been clear in stating that conscience “is not an independent and exclusive capacity to decide what is good and what is evil.”

“Catholics believe that the Church, through the magisterium, offers moral guidance that must form their consciences,” Spinello writes. “No one who professes to be a faithful Catholic can ignore that guidance.”

Spinello’s final chapter contrasts John Paul II’s views with those of theological dissenters, showing how tall John Paul’s moral vision stands even in the face of formidable and determined scholarly scrutiny. In particular, he answers criticisms raised by Father Charles Curran.

Although Spinello is occasionally ponderous as only an accomplished scholar can be, one needn’t be an academician to get the gist of his points. Those who persevere will find this work useful in improving their ability to defend the Church’s moral authority against a world predisposed to impugn it.

Judy Roberts writes from

Graytown, Ohio.