Pope Benedict XVI: An Introduction to His Theological Vision

by Thomas P. Rausch

With the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Bishop of Rome on April 19, 2005, the Catholic Church for the first time in centuries had a professional theologian as pope. As a theologian, Joseph Ratzinger played a key role at the Second Vatican Council and in the years that followed. As Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he watched zealously over Catholic theology in the name of the Church. Now as pope, he has become pastor of the universal Church, articulating its faith and defining the parameters of its theology. He is one of the premier theologians of his age, and few of his contemporaries can approach the sheer number of his publications. While his familiarity with the history of theology and the writings of contemporary theologians is difficult to equal, his approach puts him at some distance from many of his peers in the academy. As both pope and theologian, he has at least on one occasion invited criticism of his non magisterial writing. This important book is a respectful yet critical examination of the thought of Pope Benedict XVI. One chapter reviews his history as professor, prefect, and pope; other chapters explore his theological vision, his relentless refusal to reduce Sacred Scripture to mere history or literature, his eucharistic ecclesiology, theology of the liturgy, and Christology. Pope Benedict An Introduction to His Theological Vision offers a concise overview of the present pontiff’s theological vision in the context of his thought and historical development. †

208 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25, 2009

About the author

Father Thomas P. Rausch, S.J., Ph.D. (Religion, Duke University, 1976; S.T.M., Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, 1972; M.A. Gonzaga University, 1967; B.A., Gonzaga, 1966), is the Emeritus T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and an ordained Roman Catholic priest of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit) order. He was rector of the Jesuit community at Loyola Marymount 1988–1994, and chair of the department of Theological Studies 1994–2000.

Reviews

[Hugh A. Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book and to understand Benedict, it is a must read. While the author may not be fully supportive of the Pope, he is an admirer. I was caught by Benedict with his tri-part publication of Jesus of Nazareth.

Rausch traces Benedict's background and his leanings toward Plato and Augustine and shows how it influences his spirituality, is views on liturgy, Ecclesiology, Christology and his theological vision.

This is a book to read and re-read.