Disarming Beauty

In 2005, Father Julián Carrón became the leader of the global ecclesial movement Communion and Liberation, following the death of the movement’s founder, Father Luigi Giussani. Disarming Beauty is the English translation of an engaging and thought-provoking collection of essays by one of the principal Catholic leaders and intellectuals in the world today. Adapted from talks given by Fr. Carrón, these essays have been thoroughly reworked by the author to offer an organic presentation of a decade-long journey. They present the content of his elaboration of the gospel message in light of the tradition of Fr. Giussani, the teachings of the popes, and the urgent needs of contemporary people.
Carrón offers a broad diagnosis of challenges in society and then introduces their implications in contexts such as families, schools, workplaces, and political communities. In a dialogue with his listeners, he inspires and encourages them to lay out a new path for the Catholic Church and the world. Throughout his essays, Carrón addresses the most pressing questions facing theologians today and provides insights that will interest everyone, from the most devout to the firm nonbeliever. Grappling with the interaction of Christian faith and modern culture, Carrón treats in very real and concrete ways what is essential to maintaining and developing Christian faith, and he invites an ongoing conversation about the meaning of faith, truth, and freedom.

“These essays inspect with candor urgent problems like the ardent expression of a personal desire in a globalizing world, the disengagement of young people from an experience of personal transformation in the educational process, the spread of global terrorism and consumerism, and the loss of a palpable sense of the connection between Christian marriage and the common good. In sum, they are original and full of surprises for an educated reader trying to make sense of a cultural situation that challenges basic Christian claims on multiple levels. The book contains serious theological reflection upon the mystery of Christ presented in a wholly novel way.”
(Peter Casarella, author of Jesus Christ: The New Face of Social Progress)