Viri Dignitatem: Personhood, Masculinity and Fatherhood in the Thought of John Paul II
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
In numerous works both before and after his papal election, John Paul II offers ample reflection on the themes of personhood, relationality, and sexual complementarity, but while he advances a clearly articulated theology of femininity and motherhood, as in his apostolic letter Mulieris Dignitatem, he might seem to offer no equivalent treatment of masculinity and fatherhood.
In Viri Dignitatem, David Delaney seeks to surface and systematize the rich but often overlooked theology of masculinity and fatherhood that is found dispersed throughout John Paul II’s writings, demonstrating its essentiality for understanding his larger anthropology. In the first part of the study, Delaney treats the foundations of this anthropology, establishing John Paul II’s thought on personhood, relation, and human action. Building on this, the second part considers sexual differentiation, drawing out from John Paul II’s teaching on the body, femininity, Mary, and the Church his corresponding perspective on masculinity, which is itself rooted in nuptial complementarity and the revealing work of Christ. The third part focuses on John Paul II’s theology of fatherhood, which Delaney presents as both a natural and spiritual vocation that is based on the Fatherhood of God as this is manifested and imaged by the incarnate Son. Finally, the fourth part provides a synthetic assessment of this theology of masculinity and fatherhood, showing its coherence and addressing contemporary criticisms and misinterpretations.
At a time of accelerating crises of sexuality, the family, and fatherhood, Delaney’s Viri Dignitatem provides a welcome and important elaboration of John Paul II's teaching on the dignity and vocation of man.
- Offers ample reflection on the themes of personhood.
- Seeks to surface and systematize the rich but often overlooked theology of masculinity.
- Focuses on John Paul II’s theology of fatherhood.
With the publication of Viri Dignitatem, David H. Delaney has made an enormous contribution to what, until now, has been considered a lacuna in the work of Pope St. John Paul II. Dr. Delaney’s extensive analysis illuminates a critically important dimension of the late Holy Father’s project: that it reflects a profound understanding not only of womanhood but of masculinity as well. This volume is a rich and well-considered treatment of the foundational elements of John Paul’s anthropological framework, his account of sexual difference, and the way in which both inform the philosopher-pope’s theology of masculinity and fatherhood. Viri Dignitatem will be a valuable resource for those of us intent on arriving at a coherent and comprehensive account of man and woman, their identities, and their mission in the world.
—Deborah Savage. Franciscan University of Steubenville
This crucial work fills an important lacuna in the anthropological thought of John Paul II on personhood and sexual difference. At a time when the very notion of masculinity is under assault (‘toxic masculinity’) and when sexual difference stands at the precipice of losing all meaning (the roles of male and female have become interchangeable and unmoored from any firm biological reality), Delaney provides us with a return to sanity through the lens of John Paul II. But more than a simple return to sanity, this work offers a plumbing of the depths on an aspect of John Paul II’s anthropology that has garnered too little attention over the years. Most appreciated is Delaney’s contribution on fatherhood. There is perhaps no notion in greater need of recovery and supportive reflection than fatherhood. To that end, this work proves invaluable. A must-read.
—Paul Gondreau. Providence College
- Title: Viri Dignitatem: Personhood, Masculinity, and Fatherhood in the Thought of John Paul II
- Author: David H. Delaney
- Series: Renewal Within Tradition
- Publisher: Emmaus Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Pages: 400
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- ISBNs: 9781645853572, 1645853578
- Resource ID: LLS:VRDGNTTMPRJHNPL
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-02T19:10:30Z