Recommending this Book to EVERYONE! – The Name of God is Mercy {Review}

The Name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis
Publisher: Random House (2016)
Hardcover (176 pages)
Rating:
Also by this author: The Joy of the Gospel, Walking with Jesus, Encountering Truth
Reading Challenges: Read 2016

Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In his first book published as Pope, and in conjunction with the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis here invites all humanity to an intimate and personal dialogue on the subject closest to his heart—mercy—which has long been the cornerstone of his faith and is now the central teaching of his papacy.
In this conversation with Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli, Francis explains—through memories from his youth and moving anecdotes from his experiences as a pastor—why “mercy is the first attribute of God.” God “does not want anyone to be lost. His mercy is infinitely greater than our sins,” he writes. As well, the Church cannot close the door on anyone, Francis asserts—on the contrary, its duty is to go out into the world to find its way into the consciousness of people so that they can assume responsibility for, and move away from, the bad things they have done.
The first Jesuit and the first South American to be elected Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis has traveled around the world spreading God’s message of mercy to the largest crowds in papal history. Clear and profound, The Name of God Is Mercy resonates with this desire to reach all those who are looking for meaning in life, a road to peace and reconciliation, and the healing of physical and spiritual wounds. It is being published in more than eighty countries around the world.
“The name of God is mercy. There are no situations we cannot get out of, we are not condemned to sink into quicksand.”—Pope Francis

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My Review

The Name of God is Mercy is a wonderful read for the Year of Mercy. The book consists of the text of an interview given by Pope Francis.

While the book is short, it covers a lot. It talks about God’s love, His mercy, forgiveness, the Sacrament of Confession, and the Year of Mercy.

One of my favorite sections was on the difference between mercy and justice. It was rather amazing and I think that everyone should know the difference between the two. Justice is rooted in the law whereas mercy comes from love.

The reality of sin was also an important topic. Before we can benefit fully from the Sacrament of Confession, we need to understand what sin really is. Sin can be many different things but, to me, sin will always be choosing something other than God.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Name of God is Mercy to everyone, especially during the Year of Mercy.

Have you ever read any books that are interview transcripts? Did you enjoy them?