George Weigel Knihy

Životopis papeže Jana Pavla II. Unikátní portrét papeže Jana Pavla II. - člověka, myslitele a vůdce, jehož víra v Boha definovala pravidla nového přístupu ke světové politice a změnila chod dějin. Autor čtenáře seznamuje s papežovou nezanedbatelnou úlohou v několika nedávných událostech, například při pádu komunismu. Obsahuje také dříve nevydanou papežovu korespondenci s Leonidem Brežněvem, Michailem Gorbačovem a Tengem Siao-pchingem a čerpá přitom z dosud nezveřejněných autobiografických vzpomínek papeže. Kniha Svědek naděje se věnuje rovněž papežově úsilí postavit mosty do jiných křesťanských společenství a také do islámu, judaismu a dalších významných světových náboženství, podává analýzu návrhů Jana Pavla na posílení demokratických společností v jednadvacátém století a obsahuje stručné shrnutí nejvýznamnějších nauk, jež papež během svého pontifikátu publikoval. Dramatický příběh papeže Jana Pavla II. je dokreslen překlady jeho poezie, detailními vzpomínkami těch, kteří papeže poznali jako mladého muže, kněze a přítele, a obsažnými rozhovory s katolickými vůdci z celého světa.

For the faithful, the doubtful, and the searchers of every age, these letters convey the power of the Catholic faith that is at once personal and universal, timely and eternal. In this remarkable exploration of the Catholic world, prominent Catholic author and papal biographer George Weigel offers a luminous collection of letters to young Catholics, not-so-young Catholics, and curious souls who wonder what it means to be Catholic today. Weigel takes readers on an epistolary tour of Catholic landmarks -- from Chartres Cathedral to St. Mary's Church in Greenville, South Carolina; from the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to G.K. Chesterton's favorite pub in Oxford; and from the grave of a modern martyr in Warsaw to the Sistine Chapel. Weaving together insights from history, literature, theology, and music, Weigel illuminates the beliefs that give Catholicism its distinctive texture and explores the theological importance of grace, prayer, vocation, sin and forgiveness, suffering, and -- most importantly -- love. To a world that sometimes seems closed and claustrophobic, he suggests, Christian humanism offers a world with windows and doors -- and a skylight.

The collapse of communism in central and eastern Europe in 1989 was a remarkable event in a century marked by the unexpected. How did people, divided for generations by an Iron Curtain, suddenly unite atop the Berlin Wall? Why did those who seemed resigned to their fate take control of their futures? While some analysts attribute the Revolution to economic factors, George Weigel argues that the motivations were deeper. People do not risk their lives merely for material gains; a profound change in consciousness was necessary. Weigel posits that this "revolution of conscience" was crucial to the political upheaval of 1989. He explores the Catholic Church's influence on this moral transformation, drawing on interviews with key figures from human rights and resistance movements. This provides insight into the spirit of the Revolution and the motivations of its leaders. Weigel highlights Pope John Paul II's role in challenging communism's "culture of the lie," and discusses the Church's potential future in supporting democracy in former Warsaw Pact nations. Ultimately, Weigel asserts that this "final revolution" signifies an ongoing human quest for true freedom that fulfills the deepest yearnings of the heart, reshaping the political landscape of the twentieth century.

The collection features essays originally published across various media, including newspapers and magazines, showcasing George Weigel's insights. Many pieces stem from his weekly column, The Catholic Difference, reflecting on themes of faith, culture, and contemporary issues. This compilation offers readers a thoughtful exploration of Catholic thought and its relevance in today's world.

The Catholic Church is approaching a significant transition. The next pope will likely have been a teenager or younger during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), lacking the formative experiences that shaped Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. This upcoming leader will be a transitional figure in a new way, prompting reflection on the lessons learned from these three conciliar popes. Drawing from personal discussions with them and his extensive experience with Catholics worldwide, George Weigel explores the major challenges facing the Church and its 1.3 billion followers in the twenty-first century. These challenges will demand attention from the next pontificate as the Church navigates uncharted territory. Weigel poses critical questions about the Holy Spirit's call to this Church-in-transition and the qualities needed in the next leader from the Chair of Saint Peter. He outlines what future Catholic leaders, particularly the next pope, must embrace to respond faithfully to the Holy Spirit's call for renewed evangelical witness, missionary fervor, and Christ-centered reform amid institutional failures, mission confusion, counter-witness, and the secularist challenge to biblical faith.

Argues that Europe's separation of religion from politics has led to its decline and that religion, instead of being suspect, should be viewed in the U.S. and Europe as an ally of human rights and freedom.

A leading Catholic intellectual argues that the humanist teachings of the highly controversial Second Vatican Council are essential to the future of the Catholic church

In the spring of 2005, as the world watched the apostolic palace in Rome, the pontificate of Pope John Paul II was recognized as one of the most significant in Christian history. Esteemed author and NBC Vatican analyst George Weigel presents a long-awaited sequel to his international bestseller, offering a dramatic account of the Pope’s battle against communism, enriched by newly disclosed information. This narrative concludes Weigel’s comprehensive portrayal of a figure who profoundly influenced the Catholic Church and world history. Elected pope in 1978, Karol Wojtyła rapidly sparked a revolution of conscience in Poland, ultimately contributing to the fall of European communism and the Soviet Union. However, few were aware of the extensive, covert operations waged against him by the KGB, Polish Secret Police, and East German Stasi. With unprecedented access to Soviet-era documents, Weigel details John Paul’s fight against these oppressive forces. Additionally, he explores the Pope’s challenging final years, marked by illness and revelations of corruption within the Church. Weigel’s insightful biography culminates in a passionate assessment of a man whose life exemplified hope and commitment to Christian ideals.