Ratzinger's Faith: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI (Hardcover)

by Tracey Rowland (Author) "The Second Vatican Council (1961-1965) is often presented as a historic battle between 'progressive' bishops and their theological advisors who wanted to change Catholic teaching..." (more)
Key Phrases: radical orthodoxy, utility music, Catholic Church, John Paul, Second Vatican Council (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
a book with an inspirational message. Joanna Bogle. Catholic Times a fascinating book Christopher Howse, Daily Telegraph an accessible survey of the theological landscape by an author completely at ease and in tune with her subject Fergus Kerr, The Tablet [Rowland] has not only mastered a vast body of work in four languages but managed to write about it engagingly, in a style accessible to the general reader. Christopher Pearson, The Australian Ratzinger's Faith is intelligent and fascinating. Although it is academic, it is accessible, clear and rarely dry. It is the sort of book that will help Catholics and non-Catholics who have encountered Ratzinger as Pope Benedict begin to understand why he does the things he does. The Catholic Herald Professor Rowland's study of Benedict XVI's thought, drawn from his addresses and writings, is an important, notably intelligent and stimulating introduction. Edward Norman, The Spectator Pope Benedict emerges from this book as a theologian of profound intellectual depth, clarity, and enterprise. The Church Times Ratzinger's Faith is an intriguing look at a punchy pontiff. Chronicle of Higher Education

Review
"A book with an inspirational message." --Joanna Bogle, Catholic Times

"Ratzinger's Faith is intelligent and fascinating. Although it is academic, it is accessible, clear and rarely dry. It is the sort of book that will help Catholics and non-Catholics who have encountered Ratzinger as Pope Benedict begin to understand why he does the things he does" --Catholic Herald

"Pope Benedict emerges from this book as a theologian of profound intellectual depth, clarity, and enterprise" --The Church Times

"Professor Rowland's study of Benedict XVI's thought, drawn from his addresses and writings, is an important, notably intelligent and stimulating introduction" --Edward Norman, The Spectator

"An accessible survey of the theological landscape by an author completely at ease and in tune with her subject" --Fergus Kerr, The Tablet

"[Rowland] has not only mastered a vast body of work in four languages but managed to write about it engagingly, in a style accessible to the general reader" --Christopher Pearson, The Australian --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (March 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199207402
• ISBN-13: 978-0199207404
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #434,301 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 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 (London, England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

2 of 2 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 (USA) - See all my reviews

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 just 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. (By the way, it is not considered disrespectful in theological circles to refer to him as "Ratzinger" when discussing the works written under that name)

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.

For those not versed in theology, this will require some work. It can be done though. Those versed in the field will find this extremely insightful. It is a must read for those who want to delve into his work and gain some sense of coherence and direction.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Danny Boy (Australia) - See all my reviews

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.