George Weigel is a well respected Catholic scholar. He holds many honorary docterates from Catholic colleges. He is a columnist who writes several columns of interest to Catholics. In the 1990s he was given unprecedented access to Pope John Paul II. He wrote the bestselling book Witness to Hope (Harper, 2002) as a result of these meetings. His latest book, The End and the Beginning is his second volume on the life of John Paul II.
Format of The End and the Beginning
The book begins with a discussion of Pope John Paul II in the new millienum. It focuses on different aspects of his papacy. The book is then divided into three sections each focusing on a different aspect of Pope John Paul II. The three sections are titled: Nemesis, Kenosis, and Metanoia.
Nemesis
Nemesis explores the life of Karol Wojtyla before he became Pope John Paul II. Details are given into his battle against communism and the Third Reich. Wojtyla was a freedom fighter of sorts who tried to assist people who were being persecuted by the Third Reich and other evil powers.
This section further explores the life of Wojtlya in seminary and as a young priest. It discusses his time at the seminary and his rise to Cardinal. Finally the section ends with a discussion of the election and death of Pope John Paul I and Wojtyla's presence.
Kenosis
Kenosis discusses the end of Pope John Paul II's life. This section opens with the Great Jubilee of 2000. The Pope's part in the celebrations of the new millinium are discussed as are his worsening health. Finally towards the end of this section the Pope's failing health and his resulting death are discussed. At the end he is called the great for joining the church.
Metanoia
Metanoia explores John Paul II's legacy. This section discusses the number of saints he canonized as well as others he put forward. It also discusses ten things that Pope John Paul II did that leave a lasting legacy on the Catholic Church and world today.
Uses of The End and the Beginning
This is a fascinating study into the life of Pope John Paul II. It would make a great text book for a class studying the Pope in our times. It focuses on some history of World War II so it would fit well into an exploration of that as well. The Pope is given humanity throughout the book and his weaknesses are explored as well as his strengths. Even protestants would find this an interesting read.
I personally enjoyed most of this book. I found some of the first section, especially the parts about World War II, to be a little tedious. Once the focus shifted completely to Pope John Paul II the book was both interesting and an easy read.
The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paull II--the Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy by George Weigel
Image Books, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-385-52480-3
Kelley Huston - A reader of all kinds of books, Kelley is an teacher who loves crafts and scrapbooking. She is a Disney fan who loves all things Disney.
