St. John Paul II was an amazing theologian and his writings are so layered with goodness. Teachings for an Unbelieving World is no exception. The reader will wade through 13 reflections that draw you deeper into St. Paul's Areopagus sermon (Acts 17.)

Like other writings of his, I needed to read in small snippets and give it time to 'digest.' So much goodness, but definitely not something you can read through quickly.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The rediscovered writings of Saint John Paul II are an inspiration to read. Doctrinal and Gospel teaching from a true man of God. A must read.

5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

Written in 1965, these newly discovered talks re-invigorated my love for this saint and his teachings. Decades before he'd become the Holy Father, themes central to his papacy are evident in these reflections on St. Paul's visit to the Aeropagus (see Acts of the Apostles).

This was a short and easy read for me, and while I didn't find any striking insights or revelations here, it was still profitable to me. I'm grateful it has been published.

An absolutely marvelous little gem of a book. Each page is packed with thought provoking analysis of Paul’s sermon at the Aeropagus. I read it twice through.. Five stars and highly recommended!

So far I am enjoying this, but it's going to take me awhile to get through. Perhaps it's the timing for me or that I just need more time to process these lessons. Look forward to updating my review at some point.

Growing up Protestant, I was aware of who (then Pope) John Paul II was. I knew that he was beloved by the Catholic Church. I knew that I liked his face and his smile. I also remember, when he died, feeling like things suddenly didn't feel as safe as they had when he was alive. Now, I am a Catholic, John Paul II is a saint; still beloved by the Catholic Church, and absolutely beloved by me. So when I heard that a newly discovered written work had been published by this man, I knew I had to read it as soon as possible.

Based off of Saint Paul's sermon in Acts 17, John Paul II offers thirteen reflections not only about our faith, but FOR our faith. Yes, we live in an unbelieving, cynical world, and this book speaks beautifully to the heart of that. But those of us do believe, often find it difficult to believe. Not an unbelief IN our Lord. But more-so, a struggle to BELIEVE our Lord. Which is why I found 'Teachings for an Unbelieving World' to be such a balm to my own fears and anxieties and unbelief. Especially in these unprecedented times we are in! This book hits home for the world at large, for us as believers and for the Church as a whole. But it also gives us a comforting glimpse into the heart of our Pope-Turned-Saint. An absolute must-have book.

Taken from a series of unublished reflections on Paul's sermon to the unknown God in Athens, this book, in the parts written by St. John Paul II are excellent. You can, however, skip over the excessively long introduction by George Weigel.

It's hard to rate a book like this without commenting on the religious practices themselves. This one has a unique approach in that it takes a teaching meant for one unbelieving population (ancient Athens) and relates it to the same state in modern (1970s) time.  I know religious reads aren't for everyone but I really enjoy them if they are thought-provoking. This one has been a journey but I have uncovered some pearls within it.

"Teachings for an Unbelieving World: Newly Discovered Reflections on Paul’s Sermon at the Areopagus," by John Paul II, then Archbishop Karol Wojtyla, was a treat to read.

Karol Wojtyla was Archbishop of Krakow in the years after Vatican II when he penned 13 reflections on St. Paul’s sermon to the people of Athens in Acts 17. He used this section of scripture to articulate the Christian faith in a culture of skepticism and unbelief. I hadn’t ever read anything before by the man who would become one of the most popular and controversial popes of the 20th century. I was impressed by his intellect and depth.

Reading “Teachings for an Unbelieving World,” I gained an even deeper appreciation for Saint Paul as I read about his interaction with the people in Athens, Greece. John Paul II dissects this even to show how wise an evangelist and teacher the apostle Paul was.

“Teachings for an Unbelieving World” is profound, but it is also easy to read due to the clarity and economy of words used. Each of the following reflections was concise and easy to understand:

humanity’s place in God’s creation;
our search for meaning, truth, and freedom;
addressing a culture of unbelief;
the gift of redemption in Jesus Christ;
the grace of the Holy Spirit;
the role of the Church in the world;
the power of the Eucharist;
the redemptive and self-giving nature of human love; and
the importance of prayer.

If you enjoy diving deeper into scripture, this book if for you. It's perfect to add to your devotional time. You can purchase “Teachings for an Unbelieving World” today on Amazon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a collection of teachings by St John Paul II concerning the interaction by the Apostle Paul’s Address in the Areopagus recounted in Act 17. The relevance for today is that the author unpacks Paul's arguments to a group that do not share the same worldview or philosophical method as the Jews and the early Jesus movement, with ramifications for how Christians might couch their discussions of the faith with modern and post-modern unbelievers. It is not, frankly, an easy read, and does not have the same refinement of other works by St John Paul II such as his encyclical The Gospel of Life. Highly recommended for fans of St John Paul II and for apologists of the faith.

I am sure that for some this book would be very interesting. I just had a really hard time getting into it. As a Christian, but not a Catholic, the book was hard for me to relate to. It just didn't hold my interest and I didn't really want to read it if there was another choice. I was very interested when I read the blurb but I didn't enjoy the presentation.

These 13 reflections on Catholicism were interesting to read. I must disclose that I am not a religious person, but found these to interesting to read and can understand how they can help those that are not trusting of their Catholic Faith find comfort and their way back to their Church.