The Thought of Pope Benedict XVI new edition: An Introduction to the Theology of Joseph Ratzinger

by Aidan Nichols OP

Overview

Aidan Nichols' timely book is the first full-scale investigation of Joseph Ratzinger's theology, from the 1950s to the present day. It presents a chronological account of the development of Ratzinger's writing that reflects a wide range of historical and theoretical interests. A comprehensive introduction to a figure who is in his own right, quite apart from his significance in the politics of the Church, a major German Catholic theologian of the twentieth century.

This new edition amplifies existing chapters by reference to books by Ratzinger between 1986/1987 and his election as Pope in 2005, and includes two new chapters - Judaism, Islam and other religions, and the secularization and future of Europe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780860124214
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/26/2007
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

Aidan Nichols entered the Dominican Order in 1970, and has since worked in Edinburgh, Oslo, Rome and Cambridge, where he now lives. His other publications include "The Art of God Incarnate" and "The Shape of Catholic Theology," among others.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Foreword

I The Bavarian background

II Augustine and the Church

III Bonaventure and saving history

IV Christian brotherhood

V The event of the Council

VI Reflections on the Creed

VII More ecclesiological essays

VIII The eschatology theme

IX The preacher

X The liturgist

XI Back to foundations

XII The prefect

XIII The Candidate

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

'A highly lucid presentation of Ratzinger's theology, which reveals a complete mastery of his writings as well as the secondary literature.' Heythrop Journal

'An important introduction, not only to the mind and heart of one man, but to the intellectual ferment of his times.' Expository Times

'Anyone who wants to understand where Ratzinger is coming from should read it carefully.' National Catholic Register

'Nichols begins his book with an excellent chapter on the historical background of Ratzinger, tracing the history of Bavaria from its beginnings and giving much interesting material about the Church in Germany in the time of Hitler.' Priests and People

'So good an introduction is this book that I am eager to read more of Ratzinger, for he has a lot to say; not least, in criticism of my own position.' Reformed Theological Review

'A beautiful presentation of the theological achievement of Joseph Ratzinger combines a confident grasp of the general trends of Ratzinger's thinking with almost a poet's feel for particularities of place and with a trained historian's sense of the period.' Chesterton Review

'Those who want to get closer to this thinker should consult [The Thought of Pope Benedict XVI]. This, the first study of its kind in English, is a meticulously researched, lucid account of Ratzinger's thought.' Economist

'Benedict has remained remarkably consistent in his theology, even if the issues facing the Church have shifted in recent years.' The Thought of Benedict XVI

"A timely book, considering his election as Pope, The Thought of Pope Benedict XVI is the first full-scale investigation of Ratzinger's theology in its development from the 1950s to the present day. the book, enhanced by updates, will help Catholics get to know the leader of their faith." -SirReadaLot.org

Title mentioned following article by author in Catholic Herald, 2008.

From the Publisher