The Ratzinger Reader: Mapping a Theological Journey

About this book

A fascinating and insightful volume collecting together the key writings of Joseph Ratzinger some of them yet untranslated from his youthful and more progressive writings to his transition period following his disillusionment with the aftermath of Vatican II to his time as Prefect of the Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith down to 2005. The emphasis will be upon Joseph Ratzinger as private theologian his many writings released in a personal capacity for such will chart the formation of and comment upon the official statements and texts released under his name in a more informative fashion than the simple inclusion of the formulaic official texts themselves. Following a section providing insight into the fundamental and systematic theological background and development of Joseph Ratzingers thought further thematic sections will also be included for example Joseph Ratzingers writings on Ecclesiology on Theology and the Role of Theologians on the Eucharist on Religious Pluralism on Sacramental Theology Ecumenism on Truth on the Contemporary Historical Era on Magisterium and on Faith Morals etc. The volume will open with an introductory essay charting the life and career the achievements of and the controversies surrounding the new pope. Each reading will be prefaced by a brief introduction to its context and themes and will be followed by recommended further reading on its respective subject matter.