Mercy: The Essence of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life

by Walter Kasper

This book has done me so much good. —Pope Francis From one the leading intellects in the church today—one whom Pope Francis has described as a "superb theologian"—comes perhaps his most important book yet. Available for the first time in English, Cardinal Kasper looks to capture the essence of the gospel message. Compassionate, bold, and brilliant, Cardinal Kasper has written a book which will be studied for generations.

Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Catholic

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Walter Kasper (born 5 March 1933) is a German Roman Catholic Cardinal and theologian. He is President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, having served as its president from 2001 to 2010.

Reviews

[Vicenzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuando el cardenal Bergoglio llegó a su cuarto en el Cónclave en el que fue elegido Papa se encontró con este libro que alguien había dejado encima de su mesa.
Merece la pena.
Ideas muy sugerentes. Riguroso en el análisis
Abundante bibliografía aunque, sobre todo, en alemán.
He subrayado muchísimos pasajes.
"Es legítimo invitar a reflexionar de nuevo sobre Dios. En ese esfuerzo de reflexión, no se trata tanto de la pregunta: «¿Existe Dios?», por muy importante que sea tal interrogante. Sino más bien del Dios misericordioso, del Dios «rico en misericordia», que nos consuela a fin de que nosotros, por nuestra parte, consolemos a otros. Pues a la vista del círculo vicioso del mal solo puede haber esperanza en un nuevo comienzo si es posible confiar en un Dios tan clemente y misericordioso como omnipotente, el único capaz de obrar un nuevo comienzo y de conferirnos valentía para esperar contra toda esperanza y fuerza para intentarlo otra vez. Se trata, pues, del Dios vivo que llama a los muertos a la vida y al final enjuga todas las lágrimas y todo lo renueva".

[John Laliberte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all: Mercy: The Essence of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life. Cardinal Kasper provided a gem for those who are seeking to understand the essence of the gospel. It is clear, practical, and connects to a host of references in both the Old and New Testament as well of references to other theological works without being burdensome.

Cardinal Kasper left us with an important work for our times as we face many challenges ranging from economic equity to immigration, human rights, international relationships, to climate change. But more importantly, from the heart of what the deepest meaning of mercy, that awakens (and compels us) the way we should recognize the mercy and compassion we owe others as the Lord’s Prayer dictates. The lesson of the Good Samaritan is one of the highlights of the book.

While the title indicates that mercy is “the key to Christian life”, Cardinal Kasper makes emphatically clear that the theological and etymology of this work truly for all religions, and I dare say, for all relationship.

[Leonardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me pareció muy bueno. Yendo de muy bueno al principio a mejor hacia el final. Se va poniendo más claro, usando ejemplos prácticos y concretos. Muy buen uso de filosofía y teología. En particular me llamó la atención, que según tengo entendido este libro es el que estuvo leyendo Francisco sus últimos días de Bergoglio, es decir mientras estaba en el Cónclave que lo termina eligiendo Papa. Incluso algunas expresiones aparentemente las toma directamente del libro, como lo de la Iglesia pobre para los pobres, o más en general el tema de la Misericordia y el año de la Misericordia. En cambio, no pareciera ser tan abierto en el tema de la participación de la mujer en la Iglesia.

Muy buen libro. Ampliamente recomendable. Me hubiera gustado leerlo más de un tirón, creo que me tardé demasiado, y eso hizo que le perdiera un poco el hilo... Se hace lo que se puede.

[Joshua Ocon · Rating 5 out of 5]

No wonder Pope Francis recommended this brilliant Kasper work - it is an encompassing approach to the often taken-for-granted term 'mercy.' What is most significant in Kasper's work is how he succinctly presents the centrality of 'mercy,' not only in theology but more so in Christian life as it dialogues with its multifaceted arenas where other virtues also come into play.

[Carlos Carrasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

La misericordia explicada desde diferentes vertientes. Una explicación de las implicaciones y del resultado de practicar la misericordia no sólo en el plano personal sino también a nivel de sociedad e Iglesia.

[Maichol Schinello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uno dei più grandi libri di teologia degli ultimi anni.
Davvero un grande lavoro di un grande teologo

[Susan A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

[Vida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is probably a 5 star book. It's very dense and reads like a textbook. I think it would best be read in a class setting, in small portions at a time with discussion and reflection.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book for grad school (that counts) and I think it gives a comprehensive, intellectual view of the virtue of mercy in all aspects.

[slowmokim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thêm một quyển sách hay trong năm nay 🥰

[Lee Bertsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is there one attribute of God that rises above the others and which is more definitive in understanding the essence of God? This author says yes and it is mercy. Others say yes and it is his sovereignty. Others say yes and it is his goodness. And so it goes. My question is, "Why do we need to pursue an answer to such a question in the first place?" Perhaps it is driven by a desire to offer a more systematic understanding of God, though in the process how can we be sure we are not just squeezing God into our own preferred mould?
Having said that, I appreciated the helpful way the author integrated the realities of God's justice and his mercy, and the way he reveals the merciful impulse in Catholic social teaching.

[John Tucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want insight on the Living Saint that is the Great Pope Francis 1, this book is indispensable in order to get an insight into his philosophy and outlook.

[Christine Lawlor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not like this book and the way it is written....

[Maggie L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book with a group at church and was thankful for Msgr.'s insights and the great discussion this book provided. I liked the format and there were several sections that I had to reread.

[maria adelaida galarza · Rating 4 out of 5]

LA MISERICORDIA

Fue maravilloso encontrar este libro tan claro y realista, justo en este año que se ha denominado con el mismo tema:LA MISERICORDIA