The Legacy of John Paul II

This is an indispensable book on the important themes present in John Paul II's theology.Pope Benedict XVI has written: 'I consider it my essential and personal mission not so much to produce many new documents but to see to it that John Paul's documents are assimilated, because they are a very rich treasure, the authentic interpretation of Vatican II'This volume responds to that challenge in helping readers and students to come to grips with the important themes in John Paul II's theology. This is important as his influence is already as great as that of almost any other Pope and his teachings and writings need to be studied carefully by Christians of all denominations.His writings were as prolific as his canonisations were vigorous. They range from topics as important as ethics, politics, theology and comparative religion. He published a number of philosophical books before becoming Pope.All this is covered in this indispensable book.

Table of Contents:
1. What Was New in the Teaching of John Paul II? Gerald O'Collins; 2. John Paul:The Man and his Thought Edward Stourton; 3. Theological Influences of John Paul II:von Balthasar Brendan Leahy; 4. John Paul II and his ecclesiology John McDade; 5. Ethical teaching of John Paul II David Jones; 6. John Paul II and Ecumenical Dialogue Archbishop Kevin McDonald; 7. John Paul II and Lutherans Jared Wicks sj; 8. John Paul II and Islam Christian Troll sj; 9. John Paul II and Catholic Jewish Dialogue Sister Margaret Shepherd OLS; 10. Mohammad- Prophet for Christians also? Christian Troll sj.

About the Author :
Gerald O'Collins recently retired from the post of Professor of Dogmatic Theology at The Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is the author of countless books including Catholicism (OUP), The Easter Jesus (DLT) Incarnation(Continuum) and Dictionary of Theology (TTC) Michael A. Hayes is Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham in the University of Surrey, UK.

Review :
"this is an invaluable and accessible collection and a good resource for study of John Paul's importance, useful both for students and general readers" Volume 5 Issue 3--Sanford Lakoff "Pastoral Review " There are many highlights in the book, including well-written contributions from the established theologians such as O'Collins, McDaid and Wicks... This highly readable book rightly celebrates the impressive legacy of John Paul, a man of words and action and a man who had a lasting impact on all who met him.--Sanford Lakoff This highly readable book rightly celebrates the impressive legacy of John Paul...--Sanford Lakoff "An indispensable study" Bookseller Buyers Guide "This is an invaluable and accessible collection and a good resource for study of John Paul's importance, useful both for students and general readers." The Pastoral Review, May/June 2009 Reviewed along with The Vision of John Paul II in The Tablet. Reviewed in Church of England Newspaper, April 2009.