THE SPLENDOR OF LOVE:

JOHN PAUL II's VISION

FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

by Walter J. Schu, LC

New Hope Publications, 2003

382 pages, $19.95

To order: (888) 881-0729

www.circlepressusa.com

In a series of Wednesday general audiences during the early years of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II presented an inspired and far-reaching instruction on the nature and mystery of marital love. The compilation of these talks has appropriately been referred to as the Pope's “theology of the body.” These insights, together with John Paul's studies of the philosophy of personalism, have been the catalyst for much new Catholic study on the topic of human sexuality — the fruits of which are the premise for a well-researched book by Legionary of Christ Father Walter Schu.

The Splendor of Love is arguably as comprehensive a volume as exists for the laity on the subject of marriage and family. It examines Catholic teaching on matrimony and sexuality in depth and, perhaps as importantly, considers the prevalent trends in society and the cultural climate that is the basis for the shift from long-held Judeo-Christian morality in the area of sexual ethics. Father Schu is at once philosophical and factual, penetrating the richness of the tenets of our faith as well as offering data and cogent analysis of the myths society holds in contrast.

Throughout the 20th century, popes sought to clarify and emphasize the Catholic understanding of marriage and sexuality. Notable among their documents are Pope Pius XI's encyclical Casti Connubii (On Chastity in Marriage), which refuted the 1930 Lambeth (Anglican) Conference's sanctioning of artificial contraception; Pope Paul VI's 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae (On Human Life) on the unitive and life-giving dimensions of marital love; and John Paul's 1981 apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio (The role of the family in the modern world) on the Christian view of family and his 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae (Gospel of Life) on the sanctity of human life. These and many other works contribute to the foundation of Father Schu's presentation.

What distinguishes the book as a definitive reference, however, are the well-organized outline structure in which the topics are presented and the substantial number of references Father Schu offers. In addition to the Pope and great Catholics in history, such as Sts. Augustine and Aquinas, readers will come to know and appreciate the insights of such current Catholic minds as Janet Smith, John Kippley, Mary Shivanandan and Christopher West. Father Schu weaves these contemporary positions skillfully with classic seminal views to show both development and synergy of thought.

Needless to say, it's not light bedtime reading. Though divided into concise sections, the subject matter and Father Schu's writing style promote reflection — and deserve careful thought.

“The union between the spousal and the redemptive aspects of love, revealed by Christ, reflects the deepest meaning of the human body,” he writes. “As spousal, love is self-giving. The self-giving love that we are capable of achieving through our bodies helps redeem us and win the redemption of those we love. John Paul II affirms that the convergence between these two meanings of the body is fundamental for each person to understand his or her very reason for existing.”

The insights of John Paul on this subject are sufficiently profound that only in time will their value be fully assimilated. Yet their relevance for our age and cultural climate is unquestioned. And so is the value of Father Schu's book.

Peter Sonski is communications director at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate

Conception in Washington, D.C.