Pope John Paul II stresses molding balanced people

Paus Yohanes Paulus II, Doa dan Devosi: Meditasi 365 Hari Edited by Mgr. Petrus Canisius Johannes van Lierde, O.S.A. Published by Erlangga, Jakarta, 1995 IX + 476 pages

KETAPANG, West Kalimantan (JP): Looking at the book's cover and title, readers may think that its contents discuss spiritual matters of interest to certain circles only. That is not the case.

This book covers a vast range of topics. Pope John Paul II not only speaks of dogma but also gives his views on current world trends, and his thoughts on culture, science and technology, education and marriage.

According to the Pope, faith should not be opposed to culture because faith, in its connection with culture, manifests itself as a clarification of God's work and serves as a complementary aid to rationality. A person's rationality does not diminish because he has faith.

Although a distinction must be made between faith and rationality, the Pope sees no reason to prohibit the application of a human science discipline according to its own principles and methods. In other words, cultural autonomy must always be recognized.

History has shown that there has always been tension between science and religion, in keeping with the progress of science and technology. The Pope thinks a more positive dialog is necessary between the followers of science and religion.

Love of truth, sought with all humbleness, says Pope John Paul II, is one of the noble values that can unite modern men beyond cross-cultural boundaries. The culture of science and technology, according to the Pope, is not contrary to the culture of faith because all authentic culture is open to basic matters, and truth is always universal.

Pope John Paul II is convinced that scientists are often able to maintain man's transcendental characteristics over the world, as God does over man.

In education the Pope identifies a problem that deserves close attention in this modern era. The success of an educational system often seems measured just by the qualifications gained by the graduates.

It is therefore not surprising that emphasis is given to curricula oriented toward obtaining diplomas. A diploma is seen as a guarantee for the realization of the hopes for a career. In reality, however, holders of diplomas do not automatically find jobs. This hard reality does not only cause young people deep frustration but it is also a nagging problem for the education system itself.

According to the Pope, education should be seen as a process of improving one's personality. To be an educated person means to become a person who is more prepared for life, more capable of appreciating life's meaning and the offer made by life itself, and more conscious of what must be given as a reward to the community.

In other words, education must emphasize efforts to develop a balanced personality; not only one's rationality but also the development of one's emotional, physical and social capacities. Through this philosophy, according to the Pope, we have an antidote to frustration and languor, and fewer dragging uncertainties.

This book contains probably the most powerful and most charismatic writings of the Pontiff ever published. As the editor says, this book represents the thoughts and soul of Pope Wojtyla.

This book is written at a time when most modern readers are very much absorbed in their daily work. Going from page to page they will find a peaceful and happy atmosphere, far from their daily anxieties.

-- Amon Stefanus