The rhetoric of Pope John Paul II

by Joseph R. Blaney (Editor), Joseph P. Zompetti (Editor)

Overview

Pope John Paul II was clearly one of the most influential persons of the 20th Century. He affected the world of politics, religion, and culture with a rhetorical zeal unmatched by few actors on the international stage. From the downfall of communism in Eastern Europe to his devotion to Mary to his championing of social justice and orthodox theology, this book examines his several moments of persuasive finesse as well as instances when his message could have been crafted more effectively. The essays in this collection examine his persuasive skills from several scholarly points of view. The book also offers analyses of media portrayals of this often-controversial figure. With contributions from some of the world's leading communication scholars, clergy, and social activists, this book is must reading for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of religious communication in general and John Paul II's rhetorical papacy in particular. Written by Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, agnostics, and atheists, the chapters approach the Pope with varying degrees of admiration, but always with intellectual respect.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739132234
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	01/16/2009
Series:	Lexington Studies in Political Communication
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	326
File size:	501 KB

About the Author

Joseph R. Blaney is associate professor of communication at Illinois State University. Joseph A. Zompetti is director of forensics and associate professor of communication at Illinois State University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction ix

Part I Pope John Paul II and the Media

1 Papal Punchlines: Late Night Comedic Treatment of Pope John Paul II Brian T. Kaylor Josh A. Compton 3

2 Kategoria of Cartoons on the Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Scandal William L. Benoit Kevin A. Stein 23

Part II Pope John Paul II and the Rhetoric of Social Justice

3 The Rhetoric of Social Justice in Pope John Paul II's Catechism Joseph P. Zompetti 39

4 Pope John Paul II and the Rhetoric of Just War Craig W. Cutbirth Megan Houge 67

5 Community Focused Apologia in Pope John Paul II's Year of Jubilee Discourse Jason A. Edwards 81

Part III Pope John Paul II and Political Rhetoric

6 Rhetoric of Pope John Paul II's Visits to Poland, 1979-1999 Cezar M. Ornatowski 103

7 The Laying of Hands: Pope John Paul II and the Catholic Church's Political Role in Poland Pre- and Post-1989 David P. Burns 151

8 Ideological Issues in Pope John Paul II's Messages on World Communications Day Kristina Drumheller Matthew Drumheller 173

Part IV Pope John Paul II and Theological Rhetoric

9 The Vatican's Response to the Sexual Abuse Crisis in America: An Image Restoration Study Joseph R. Blaney 199

10 Totus Tuus Sum, Maria: Pope John Paul II's Framing of the Feminine Genius Kimberly A. Kennedy 211

11 John Paul II's Papal Encyclicals as Dialectic Dennis D. Cali 233

12 Pope John Paul II's Influence on Preaching and Parish Communication Christopher Layden 257

13 His Final Homily: Pope John Paul II's Death as an Affirmation of his Life's Message Joseph M. Valenzano III 263

14 "Firm in Defense of Freedom, Family, and Christianity": Mormonism, Pope John Paul II, and the RhetoricalOther Phil J. Chidester 283

Conclusion: A Rhetoric of Dignity and Evangelization 303

Index 305

About the Contributors 309