This blog explores both historical and current events guided by the thought of the leading thinkers, past and present, of this school or movement of theology. Refer to the Classic Posts, Great and Contemporary Thinkers, various links of all kinds, in addition to the Archives themselves. David is the founder and manager of this website, but many friends contribute to it on a regular basis.
As a seminarian you are deeply involved with the study of God and I applaud your vocation. You're my hero!
Here are a few details to fill in the blanks above.
Ratzinger was basically "drafted" out of seminary into the German Army. He had no other option. He was first in infantry, but due to health problems he put in the reserves for air defense. From there he deserted and went back home. His home was being used a military HQ and the Allies took him as a POW b/c he was German soldier. After leaving the POW camp he re-entered seminary. He was ordained the same-day as his brother who is still alive by the way.
His formation was Augustinian not Thomist. He has a deep understanding of both the good and negative aspects of Luther's thought. This should be helpful in dialog with the Protestants. He is very close to Judaism, partly due to his experiences in Germany. For example, he is the reason why the Vatican now has official relations with the nation-state of Israel. Cardinal Ratzinger pushed JPII to do this.
The International Theological Commission was suggested first in 1967 at various Synods of Bishops, but actually formed by Pope Paul VI in 1969. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger actually wrote the Preface to the Texts and Documents (1969-1985) of this commission.
There are many of his works translated into English, but his Introduction to Christianity is a good place to start. Get the newest edition published within the last two years. He has a substantial new introduction to this book, which he wrote in 1968 and first published in English in 1969. I would also refer people to The Church's Confession of Faith - A Catholic Catechism for Adults published by Ignatius Press & Communio Books in 1997. It's a product of the West German Bishops' Conference whose two main editors were Cardinals Ratzinger and Kasper. It's the best catechism in print outside of the new CCC. It continually refers one back to Sacred Scripture and to the documents of the Second Vatican Council. I would love for it to be updated with references to the CCC.
Keep up the great work!
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The Holy Spirit has spoken in regards to the current Holy Father. Is it possible that sometime in our lifetime a third-world cardinal will be elected as pope? Yes of course. Depending on many factors of which we cannot predict (how long B16 will be in office, etc.) will determine who are the strongest candidates for the papal office during the next conclave. Personally my favorites as things stand now are Cards. Scola, Sconborn, and Kasper. A 5-10 year Pontificate will put all of them in the prime age. Obviously there are some incredibly holy men in Africa and Latin America as well.
In regards to the Prefect of CDF... I'm very curious about who will be selected for this position. Clearly Card. Sconborn is the leading candidate. He's German and worked very closely with Card. Ratzinger on the CCC as you mentioned above. As I speculated on my blog though, if he chose Card. Kasper this would ruin the progressives ("liberals") day.
The reporter, John Allen Jr., used a similar schema when he wrote his biography of Ratzinger. For penance (and money), he is writing a new one.
Several points: 1. there were competing notions of the purpose of Vatican II 2. the reception of Vatican II in the US was somewhat narrowly focused on liturgy (has Xavier Rhynne been more influential than the actual documents?) 3. Karl Rahner was very popular early on, which caused his reputation to get somewhat diluted due to oversimplification 4. the popularity of Balthasar now may result in the same kind of oversimplification of his theology (Certain enthusiastic followers of Origen destroyed his reputation) 5. any summary of the Ressourcement movement that ignores Peguy is malarky 6. John XXIII started the council; Paul VI brought it to an end. Everything since then has been the reception of the council. The papacy of John Paul II brilliantly implemented Vatican II in its own way, but the reception cannot be limited to one man, but instead is the work of the whole Church through several or many popes. 7. As thinkers, theologians explore many issues that may or may not be deemed useful for the Church.
2 comments:
Here are my comments to his post.
Christ is Risen!
As a seminarian you are deeply involved with the study of God and I applaud your vocation. You're my hero!
Here are a few details to fill in the blanks above.
Ratzinger was basically "drafted" out of seminary into the German Army. He had no other option. He was first in infantry, but due to health problems he put in the reserves for air defense. From there he deserted and went back home. His home was being used a military HQ and the Allies took him as a POW b/c he was German soldier. After leaving the POW camp he re-entered seminary. He was ordained the same-day as his brother who is still alive by the way.
His formation was Augustinian not Thomist. He has a deep understanding of both the good and negative aspects of Luther's thought. This should be helpful in dialog with the Protestants. He is very close to Judaism, partly due to his experiences in Germany. For example, he is the reason why the Vatican now has official relations with the nation-state of Israel. Cardinal Ratzinger pushed JPII to do this.
The International Theological Commission was suggested first in 1967 at various Synods of Bishops, but actually formed by Pope Paul VI in 1969. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger actually wrote the Preface to the Texts and Documents (1969-1985) of this commission.
There are many of his works translated into English, but his Introduction to Christianity is a good place to start. Get the newest edition published within the last two years. He has a substantial new introduction to this book, which he wrote in 1968 and first published in English in 1969. I would also refer people to The Church's Confession of Faith - A Catholic Catechism for Adults published by Ignatius Press & Communio Books in 1997. It's a product of the West German Bishops' Conference whose two main editors were Cardinals Ratzinger and Kasper. It's the best catechism in print outside of the new CCC. It continually refers one back to Sacred Scripture and to the documents of the Second Vatican Council. I would love for it to be updated with references to the CCC.
Keep up the great work!
---
The Holy Spirit has spoken in regards to the current Holy Father. Is it possible that sometime in our lifetime a third-world cardinal will be elected as pope? Yes of course. Depending on many factors of which we cannot predict (how long B16 will be in office, etc.) will determine who are the strongest candidates for the papal office during the next conclave. Personally my favorites as things stand now are Cards. Scola, Sconborn, and Kasper. A 5-10 year Pontificate will put all of them in the prime age. Obviously there are some incredibly holy men in Africa and Latin America as well.
In regards to the Prefect of CDF... I'm very curious about who will be selected for this position. Clearly Card. Sconborn is the leading candidate. He's German and worked very closely with Card. Ratzinger on the CCC as you mentioned above. As I speculated on my blog though, if he chose Card. Kasper this would ruin the progressives ("liberals") day.
David,
The reporter, John Allen Jr., used a similar schema when he wrote his biography of Ratzinger. For penance (and money), he is writing a new one.
Several points:
1. there were competing notions of the purpose of Vatican II
2. the reception of Vatican II in the US was somewhat narrowly focused on liturgy (has Xavier Rhynne been more influential than the actual documents?)
3. Karl Rahner was very popular early on, which caused his reputation to get somewhat diluted due to oversimplification
4. the popularity of Balthasar now may result in the same kind of oversimplification of his theology
(Certain enthusiastic followers of Origen destroyed his reputation)
5. any summary of the Ressourcement movement that ignores Peguy is malarky
6. John XXIII started the council; Paul VI brought it to an end. Everything since then has been the reception of the council. The papacy of John Paul II brilliantly implemented Vatican II in its own way, but the reception cannot be limited to one man, but instead is the work of the whole Church through several or many popes.
7. As thinkers, theologians explore many issues that may or may not be deemed useful for the Church.
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