Synopses & Reviews
Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, surveys the exciting and history-changing ideas of Pope John Paul II in
A Civilization of Love. By popularizing not only John Paul's vision but also that of his successor, Benedict XVI, Anderson hopes to inspire Christians to work toward creating a civilization of love. In such a civilization every person is a child of God. We are all intrinsically valuable. The battle today is between the culture of death (where people are judged by their social or economic value) and the culture of life. Anderson pushes aside religious differences in order to spread a message of hope to those who are weary of the constant turmoil of modern society. While he does specifically challenge Christians to take an active role in their faith, you do not have to be a Christian to participate in the movement toward a civilization of love.
By embracing the culture of life and standing with those most marginalized and deemed "useless" or a "burden" on modern society, Christians can change the tone and direction of our culture. Anderson demonstrates that regardless of our differences, we can come together on the centrality of loving and caring for others. He brings a message of inclusion and hope in the midst of a clash of civilizations and provides a road map for helping Christians understand their role in the world.
Review
By embracing the culture of life and standing with those most marginalized . . . Christians can change the tone and direction of our culture. Anderson demonstrates that we can come together on the centrality of loving and caring for others San Francisco Examiner
Review
“Few elements of Catholic social teaching have been more forcefully stated, or more regularly ignored, than our calling to bring Christian teachings to bear on social, political, and economic issues. Anderson seeks to bring that message home.” MARY ANN GLENDON, Learned Hand Professor of Law, Harvard University
Review
“Anderson artfully weaves theory and practice, giving us a rare specimen indeed: a practical guide for idealists.” JOHN L. ALLEN JR., senior correspondent, National Catholic Reporter
Review
“A bracing call to a new American revolution: a revolution of virtue. Give this book to friends who say theres nothing to be done to heal a wounded culture.” GEORGE WEIGEL, distinguished senior fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center
Review
“Anderson has written a book brimming with insights into the transforming power of Christian faith. A Civilization of Love is both a call to personal holiness and a handbook for Catholics who are prepared to take seriously Christs command to his disciples to be ‘salt and light in the world.” ROBERT P. GEORGE, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
Synopsis
In A Civilization of Love, Carl Anderson, leader of the Knights of Columbus, explains Pope John Paul II's revolutionary ideas on how Christians can change the world through love. Through embracing the culture of life and standing with those most marginalized and deemed "useless" or a "burden" by modern society, Christians can change the tone and direction of our culture. Anderson demonstrates that not everyone has to agree on the fundamental questions of life in order to come together on the centrality of loving and caring for others. This message of inclusion and hope will help Christians everywhere to understand their role in the world.
Carl A. Anderson is the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of the Knights of Columbus. From 1983 to 1987, he served in various positions in the Executive Office of the President of the United States, including Special Assistant to the President and acting Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. In 1998, Pope John Paul II appointed Anderson to the Pontifical Academy for Life. He holds degrees in philosophy from Seattle University and in law from the University of Denver. He is a member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and is admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court.
"Anderson has written a book brimming with insights into the transforming power of Christian faith. A Civilization of Love is both a call to personal holiness and a handbook for Catholics who are prepared to take seriously Christ's command to his disciples to be 'salt and light' in the world."- Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
--ROBERT P. GEORGE, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
About the Author
As Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl Anderson is the leader of the world's largest fraternal organization of Catholic laymen. Named by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II to several Vatican commissions, Anderson is a member of the Pontifical Council for the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and the Pontifical Academy for Life, and is a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.