The Personalism of John Paul II
An immensely readable introduction to John Paul II’s philosophy of the human person by John F. Crosby, friend and student of Dietrich von Hildebrand, and co-founder of the Hildebrand Project.
We continue to see in our time what St. John Paul called the “pulverization of the person.” And yet, at the same time, we continue to see signs of a growing personalist sensibility. Deep down most of us know that persons merit respect and should not be manipulated and commodified and demonized. Even when we are complicit in some such abuse of persons, we know better. Our better self revives when we are rebuked. And so we need to fan the flames of a certain sense for the person that has not been extinguished in the men and women of our time. We need to hear a prophetic voice that calls us back to the “truth about man” that is still felt in our conscience. John Paul II is just the voice we need to hear.
John F. Crosby
Reviews & Commentary
From scholars, students, and readers
This book is wonderfully accessible and still packed with all of the key themes in John Paul II’s philosophy of the human person. Dr. Crosby gives an excellent overview of the man to whom he beautifully refers to as “a kind of prophet of personal dignity.”
Amanda Achtman
Amazon ReviewAs John Paul II’s popularity continues to grow, it is wonderful to have books that allow us to go back and examine the philosophy of a man who had such a profound impact on our world. This book does just that, in a concise and easy to follow manner.
Debbie Dugan
Amazon ReviewFor anyone interested in Christian personalism, the thought of John Paul II is clearly central, and there are few people more qualified to speak on both subjects than Dr. Crosby. This is a beautiful edition, well written, and powerful. Dr. Crosby manages to write in such a way that experts find depth while beginning students find clarity.
Dan Sheffler
Professor of Philosophy, Memoria College; Hildebrand Project Associated ScholarThis short book by John F. Crosby helps to make a challenging topic more accessible to people who are not students of philosophy.
Anthony Bosnick
Amazon ReviewFrom beginning to end John Paul II’s theology is informed by his personalist philosophy. Thus, this accessible book is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in his theological or philosophical work.
Rachel Cloutier
Amazon ReviewThrough this book, the reader can attain valuable insight to the great passion John Paul II had for human dignity and the way it impacted his life and thought.
Catherine Yanko
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