Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 29, 1995 TAG: 9502010026
SECTION: BOOK PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: REVIEWED BY MARIE S. BEAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
\ In the introduction to "Crossing the Threshold of Hope," we are reminded that John Paul II has a reputation for being "the Pope of surprises," and the book supports that judgment. There is much that is predictable there, but there are surprises as well.
The publication of the book is itself a surprise. Usually the pope speaks publicly through formal speeches and encyclicals. In 1993, John Paul II was making plans for a live interview on Italian television to mark the 15th anniversary of his pontificate. He would be interviewed by journalist Vittorio Messori, whose questions would be of his own making - something unprecedented in the history of the papacy. John Paul II reckoned without his busy schedule which eventually prevented his participation, and the project was cancelled.
But the pope didn't want to let the questions, submitted to him in advance, "go to waste." He decided to respond to them in writing. "You have asked me questions," he said, "therefore you have a right to responses ... Do with them what you think is appropriate." With a minimum of editing, Messori presents us with the manuscript as it came from the pope's hand. Because of his respect for the pope's own text, we are rewarded with a unique reading experience.
The book is a series of short essays dealing with such questions as prayer; God's seeming absence; evangelism; other religions and what Christianity offers that they don't; modern rationalism; the place of women in the world; the importance of youth in the church.
He cites Scripture and the documents of the Second Vatican Council as he speaks directly, with personal conviction, and in non-theological language. His desire, after the example of the Apostle Paul, "to be all things to all people" that the world may come to believe the Good News of God's love is clearly evident.
Even one who may reject everything else he says cannot help being moved by his overriding message which is "Be not afraid!" Don't be afraid of your questions, of the world, of life. It is the word of hope he wants readers to hear beyond the words of theology and ideology.
Despite its weighty subject matter, "Crossing the Threshold of Hope" is a small book, as easy to handle as it is to read, attractively printed and bound. And there are helpful Biblical and general indexes.
Marie S. Bean is a retired college chaplain.
by CNB