Ratzinger's Faith: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI
Average Rating: out of 2 Reviews
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Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
EAN (European Article Number): 9780199207404
Number of Items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
Author: Tracey Rowland
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Dewey Decimal Number: 230.2092
Publication Date: 2008-03-20
Reading Level: 224
Description: A popular reading of Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) is that he started out as a progressive but had second thoughts after the cultural revolution of the late 1960s. A more negative portrait is that of an ambitious and intellectually precocious young man who changed theological allegiances for the sake of promotion within the Catholic hierarchy. Now, in this probing book, Tracey Rowland offers a third reading, one that situates the thought of Pope Benedict within the intellectual history and academic circles of his time. The first serious assessment of the new Pope's theological vision, this thoughtful volume covers topics such as the interpretations of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Benedict's relations with other important scholars and theologians, and his attitudes on moral and political theology, western culture, the structure of the Catholic Church, liturgy, and love. It has become a commonplace observation that Pope Benedict has been influenced by the thought of St. Augustine in contrast to many of his predecessors in the papacy who were much more strongly influenced by St. Thomas Aquinas. This work therefore addresses the topic of in what way Benedict is an Augustinian. The volume also includes a bibliography arranged thematically for those who want to explore his thought more deeply in a particular area. A penetrating account of the thought of the reigning pontiff, this volume offers a wealth of insight for everyone interested in Pope Benedict and the direction of the modern Catholic Church.
Customer Reviews
Review Summary: the best introduction to Ratzinger out there
Date: 2008-12-16
Details: Of the recent "introduction" books out there on Benedict XVI, I found Rowland's introduction to be the best.
Rowland pulls together a wide range of material and synthesizes it quite well. Unlike Nicol's book, which just walks the reader through some early texts (where he seems to just restate what Ratzinger just wrote) and other books which attempt to polemicize him needlessly, this one honestly looks at the controversial aspects of his insights, but not in a hysterical tone. (By the way, it is not considered disrespectful in theological circles to refer to him as "Ratzinger" when discussing the works written under that name)
She moves from some of his earlier ideas into his later thought, again done thematically. I thought she also provided excellent insight into the general theological atmosphere in which Ratzinger wrote. She contextualizes in a straightforward manner that allows the reader to grasp the significance and deeper targets Ratzinger sets his sights on.
For those not versed in theology, this will require some work. It can be done though. Those versed in the field will find this extremely insightful. It is a must read for those who want to delve into his work and gain some sense of coherence and direction.
Review Summary: A profound grasp of the wide-ranging theological work of Pope Benedict XVI
Date: 2008-03-12
Details: Associate Professor Tracey Rowland, Dean of the Melbourne John Paul II Institute, is described by Cardinal Pell in the foreword to this book as making progress towards "becoming Australia's leading theologian." Anyone who has read her 'Culture and the Thomist Tradition: After Vatican II' will understand that she is a theologian of substance. Those who read 'The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI' will see why she is indeed becoming a leading theologian, not just in Australia but in the English-speaking world.
For her present work demonstrates a profound grasp of the wide-ranging theological work of Pope Benedict XVI and of the theological and philosophical schools within which and in contradistinction to which he has written. No one book can hope to encompass his theological achievement, but certainly one finds here a reliable and sympathetic introduction to it. For serious students of Catholic theology and indeed for those seeking an insight into Pope Benedict's vision of the Church's role in the modern world, this book is a must.
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