Ratzinger's Faith: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI [Hardcover]

Tracey Rowland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 20, 2008

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The pope's deep and passionate love for the adventure of theology shines through this text, which is geared to the reasonably educated lay reader. Not only papal enthusiasts but also libraries and professional theologians will want to have this book." --Theological Studies

""Both intellectually sophisticated and yet aimed at the ordinary educated reader...Provides valuable insight into how an influential contemporary theologian and--perhaps--other members of her circle view the development of contemporary Catholic theology and Ratzinger's role in it." --The Thomist

About the Author

Tracey Rowland is Dean and Associate Professor of Political Philosophy and Continental Theology of the John Paul II Institute, Melbourne, Australia, and Member of the Centre of Theology and Philosophy at the University of Nottingham.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; First edition (March 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199207402
• ISBN-13: 978-0199207404
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.9 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #709,973 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A profound grasp of the wide-ranging theological work of Pope Benedict XVI March 12, 2008

By Alcuin Reid

Format:Hardcover

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the best introduction to Ratzinger out there December 16, 2008

By Dave G

Format:Hardcover

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 simply 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.

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. One glaring omission in the text is handled deftly by Hahn in his book Covenant and Communion (2009). While Rowland covers the wide range of Ratzinger's thought, Hahn tackles Ratzinger's understanding of Scripture and synthesizes a tremendous amount of the pope's scholarship in order to develop the heart of Ratzinger's theology: a eucharistic/Christological/sacramental communio ecclesiology.

For those not versed in theology, Rowland will require some work. It is worth it. Those versed in the field will find this extremely insightful. It is a must read for those who want to delve into Benedict's work and gain some sense of coherence and direction.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent piece of scholarship March 2, 2009

By Danny Boy

Format:Hardcover

Dr Rowland's second work is an excellent piece of scholarship. It introduces the reader to the major trends in Ratzinger's thought. Material is carefully synthesised and arranged in a thematic order. This work is obviously the result of a thorough read of Ratzinger's work. The author is to be commended for surveying his major ideas, including his more controversial ones, particularly those on the liturgy. Whatever you think of the current Pope, if you want to understand the blueprint for this papacy, this book is a must.