Love and Responsibility: A New Translation of John Paul II’s Classic Work

by Pope John Paul II

Publisher:

Pauline Books & Media

, 2013

Overview

Originally published in Polish in 1960, Love and Responsibility is Karol Wojtyła’s groundbreaking book on human love which explains relationships between persons—especially concerning sexual ethics—in the context of human dignity.

This new translation of John Paul II’s classic work uses the 2001 version of the text published in Polish, which includes revisions to the original 1960 edition made by Blessed John Paul II himself. Also included is the first English publication of then-Cardinal Wojtyła’s article “On the Meaning of Spousal Love,” in which he continues his reflections on the topic. Translator Grzegorz Ignatik, a native Polish speaker, provides notes that define key terms, including Latin words and phrases. He also supplies comprehensive information on language nuances and major concepts.

This work is complementary to Blessed John Paul II’s Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body and is a must-read for those interested in understanding his thought more fully. Whether you are a fan of John Paul II, a Theology of the Body enthusiast, a seminarian, a professor, a student, or a reader who enjoys philosophy and theology, you will find this translation to be rich in authenticity and accessibility.

While Love and Responsibility remains a challenging work on many levels, this masterful translation will greatly assist you in understanding Wojtyła’s insightful reflections. It will also be a rewarding experience as you are shown how to love responsibly—in your relationships with spouses, family members, friends, companions, and neighbors—attaining love that is truer and more fulfilling.

In the Logos Bible Software edition, Love and Responsibility cross-references other works in your library as often as those works are cited. Scripture references appear on mouseover in your favorite translation, and searching for key terms, such as “chastity” or “marriage,” is as fast as a click.

Key Features

• Presents a translation by a native Polish speaker who was advised by David L. Schindler
• Provides notes with comprehensive information on language nuances
• Defines key terms and translates Latin words and phrases
• Includes additional content (article, “On the Meaning of Spousal Love”)

Contents

• The Person and the Drive
  • Analysis of the Verb “To Use”
  • Interpretation of the Drive
• The Person and Love
  • Metaphysical Analysis of Love
  • Psychological Analysis of Love
  • Ethical Analysis of Love
• The Person and Chastity
  • Rehabilitation of Chastity
  • Metaphysics of Shame
  • Problems of Abstinence
• Justice with Respect to the Creator
  • Marriage
  • Vocation
• Sexology and Ethics: A Supplementary View
• “On the Meaning of Spousal Love”

Top Highlights

“love is always some reciprocal relation of persons. In turn, this is based on a certain relation to the good” (Page 57)

“The word ‘person’ has been coined in order to stress that man cannot be reduced wholly to what is contained in the concept of a ‘specimen of the species,’ but has in himself something more, some particular fullness and perfection of being. To emphasize this fullness and perfection the word ‘person’ must necessarily be used.” (Page 4)

“Speaking somewhat descriptively, it must be said that the person as a subject differs from even the most perfect animals by his interiority and a specific life, which is concentrated in it, i.e., an interior life.” (Page 4)

“When different persons consciously choose an end together, this makes them equal to each other, thereby excluding a subordination of one person to another.” (Page 12)

“This principle has the most universal scope; no one may use a person as a means to an end: neither any man nor even God the Creator.* Indeed, this is excluded most completely on the part of God, because he, by the very fact of giving a rational and free nature to the person, decided that the person himself will define the ends of action and will not serve as a tool for the ends of others. Therefore, if God intends to direct man to some ends, first and foremost he lets him know these ends, so that man can make them his own and strive for them on his own.¹⁵ In this, among others, lies the deepest logic of Revelation: God lets man know the supernatural end, but the decision to strive for this end, its choice, is left to man’s freedom.¹⁶ Therefore, God does not save man against his will.” (Pages 10–11)

Praise for the Print Edition

This new translation of Love and Responsibility, based on Pope John Paul II’s revisions and with the addition of an important later article, is a major achievement. The translator is to be congratulated for his clear and faithful text as well as for his wonderfully thoughtful notes.

—David L. Schindler, Gagnon Professor of Fundamental Theology, Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, The Catholic University of America

Product Details

• Title: Love and Responsibility: A New Translation of John Paul II’s Classic Work
• Author: Karol Wojtyła (John Paul II)
• Translator: Grzegorz Ignatik
• Publisher: Pauline Books & Media
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 400

About Pope John Paul II

Pope Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła (18 May 1920–2 April 2005), reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of The Holy See from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005. He was canonized along with Pope John XXIII on April 27, 2014.