Mozartean Genius

Benedict XVI here radically explodes the popular notion that Christianity = stupidity. In this respect he is similar to Dostoevsky. The word "genius" is much abused today, but after reading this book, and having read other Ratzinger material, it's difficult for me not to conclude that this man is a genius of Mozartean proportions. A mind like this is truly beautiful to behold.

A Remarkable Man of the Age

Reading this one book can put to rest the lie that the Vatican in general and Pope Benedict XVI specifically are archaic, ivory-tower theological academicians removed from the true spirit and tenor of the times. The depth and breadth of His Holiness' knowledge of history, philosophy, scripture, and psychology astounded me, partly because no one had ever given me any reason to believe it was there. After Joseph Ratzinger became Pope I watched a torrent of invective unleashed against a man the majority of the world (and the journalists who wrote of him) has never heard of. Decades of study and meditation were gutted and replaced as sound bytes that made the Moderns among us tsk tsk over each new quote.
If you want to know what Pope Benedict really thinks and believes, and why he does so, then this is the book. Inside its pages you will find an intelligent, modest, God-loving man who compared being elected to the papacy as going to the guillotine. Do not let the news media tell you what to think about Joseph Ratzinger, read his own words and come to your own conclusions

Still in Awe.

This is the first book I have read by Pope Benedict XVI. In my years of Catholic reading I had always meant to get around to reading something by or about Cardinal Ratzinger, but I always seemed to find something else. Well, after this reading I'm about to rush headlong into a Ratzinger reading frenzy. I won't bother to quote from the book because every paragraph is quotable.

In this book the Cardinal is answering interview questions on the fly and every answer is shocking in its clarity and depth of knowledge. I don't believe there is any topic this man's mind cannot or has not pierced. What is even more astounding is the masterful use of language. I could give this book to anyone, knowing that even the Catholic and theological priciples would be easily understood.

I believe that reviews should be concise, so I'll stop while my better judgment is intact and before I let my emotions run away with me. In most books, you are happy to run across points of light. This Pope's mind is a beacon of light and truth.