Abstract

Pope John Paul II's recent encyclical on the moral life, Veritatis Splendor ("The Splendor of Truth"), has ignited a firestorm of controversy in the secular world as well as among Catholic and Protestant clergy and laity. In bold and uncompromising language John Paul II has reaffirmed traditional Catholic moral teaching and condemned not only what he perceives as the relativism and egoistic individualism of the modern world, but many contemporary currents in Catholic theology as well. The response to the pope's message, from advocates and opponents inside and outside the church, has been nothing less than sensational. Along with the complete text of the encyclical, Considering Veritatis Splendor offers cogent and insightful commentaries by a distinguished group of scholars from Europe and North America, some supporting the pope - and some not. Designed for academic study as well as clergy and lay discussion, this is undoubtedly the single most important resource on one of the most significant religious statements of our time.