Great Christian Thinkers: From Clement to Scotus

by Pope Benedict XVI

In 50 brief chapters, originally delivered as public audiences to the faithful in St Peter's Square, Benedict XVI offers absorbing, perceptive, and often edifying sketches of some of Christianity's greatest thinkers and writers. The book is divided in four parts: The Apostolic Fathers: Witnesses from the first generations after the New Testament; The Patristic Theologians: From councils and controversies, from Origen to Augustine; Early Medieval Thinkers: The beginnings of scholastic and monastic theologies; Later Medieval Thinkers: The flowering of Christian theology in the high Middle Ages. Benedict discusses the most notable theologians from East and West, along with figures whose primary witness was as ascetics, poets, mystics, and a number of popes, politicians, and missionaries. The historical circumstances and theological ideas of each are explained with the clarity of an experienced teacher. Benedict always has an eye to their deepest religious convictions and struggles as well as to their present importance to the church and Christian life today.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, History, Christianity, Catholic, Faith

316 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Originally Joseph Ratzinger , a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.

After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.

Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.

Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.

Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.

Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.

(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found a lot of great quotes in this book and a taste of some great Christians. This book also pointed me to some encyclicals as well as Boethius. I have never heard of him before (don't judge) and am looking forward to reading The Consolation of Philosophy and Fortune's Prisoner.

[Kyle Evens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Presented as a single volume, this collection of essays by Benedict XVI is informative when looking at each subject as a “tree” but the compilation lacks cohesion tying concepts between theologians and thus misses the “forest.”

Unfortunately, one could read Wikipedia or go to New Advent’s encyclopedia and get the same information.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Few books have produced as many additional entries on my Want To Read shelf as this one.

[Eric Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of daily meditations on saints both obscure an prominent, though this work contains the biographical information it does not contain the insight one would expect from Pope Benedict. Whereas I had come expecting to find lyrical biographies of great men and women, what I found was shallow plumb lines better for suited for a quick read and longer pondering. [return][return]If you�re looking for an introduction to saints, look to Bulter�s Lives of Saints or better yet, Jacobus�s Golden Legend (Princeton�s two-volume edition is excellent). Whereas these two titles function well to introduce people to the lives of amazing Christians, this pontifical work is better suited for those moving on to round two and seeking to meditate more.

[Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely enlightening two page summary addresses from his Wednesday audiences over the course of two or three years. He introduces great champions of the faith starting from Ignatius of Antioch summarizing the major figures in the history of Christianity. Overlaps their biographies with the councils that occurred before or during their lives.

Origin of Alexandria
Hilary of Poitiers
Maximus the Confessor
Cyprian of Carthage
Cyril of Alexandria
Basil of caesaria
Gregory Nazienzen
Gregory of Nyssa
Ephrem the Syrian
Athanasius of Alexandria
Ambrose of Milan
Augustine of Hippo

[Michael Donlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Pope Benedict XVI has a way of communicating so clearly. He makes these figures & times come alive for the reader. This book helps one understand the complexity & dynamics of early Christianity. You'll appreciate each word of the Nicene Creed after reading this.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short essays on various christian thinkers up to the middle ages.