A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II

by Edward P. Hahnenberg

The sixteen documents of the Second Vatican Council are the most important texts produced by the Catholic church in the past four hundred years. They shape virtually every aspect of church life today. But hardly anyone ever reads them… —From the Introduction

In this indispensable guide, Edward P. Hahnenberg outlines each of the documents produced by the Second Vatican Council. Offering the background for each work, its language and context, this book provides a clear and concise overview of the Council's work and its significance in the life of the church. Each document's history, content, major concerns and effects are considered. Significant quotes provide a sample of the language, and contemporary topics provide discussion opportunities. Scripture scholars and students—and every Catholic—will find this a valuable resource.

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

188 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2007

Reviews

[Allison Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hahnenberg was able to clearly lay out relevant history and explanations for each of the Vatican II documents and even keep a fiction-only reader such as myself engaged. He got me interested in reading each of the documents, which I believe was his goal! I strongly recommend this book to anyone new to the topic.

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the behind-the-scenes of Vatican II; the politics, the ideological movements and the processes of the council. But you won't find much about the spiritual side or as much of the ecumenical emphasis the council had as a whole. For that, I recommend Ratzinger's Theological Highlights of Vatican II. They complement each other on this matter very well.

[Stephen Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book served as a nice introduction to the theological currents underlying Vatican II. I think it provided just the right amount of detail -- enough to give a sense of why each of the documents is interesting, but not so much so that it became a chore to read.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Professor Hahnenberg should have either opined more frequently & with greater consistency, or not at all. That said, I will surely consult this slim volume again when the time comes to read the documents of Vatican II.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting how all of the traditions that I am familiar with in church came through the Vatican II meetings.