The Theology of Benedict XVI: A Protestant Appreciation

by Tim Perry (Editor), Tracey Rowland (Foreword by), Matthew Levering (Afterword)

Overview

2020 ECPA Christian Book Award Finalist for Bible Resources.

God's rottweiler or shepherd of the faithful?

There's no doubt about Benedict XVI's theological legacy. He's been at the center of every major theological controversy in the Catholic Church over the last fifty years. But he remains a polarizing figure, misunderstood by supporters and opponents alike.

A deeper understanding of Benedict's theology reveals a man dedicated to the life and faith of the church. In this collection of essays, prominent Protestant theologians examine and commend the work of the Pope Emeritus. Katherine Sonderegger, Kevin Vanhoozer, and Carl Trueman-among others-present a full picture of Benedict's theology, particularly his understanding of the relationship between faith and reason and his pursuit of truth for the church. The global Christian faith can learn from Benedict's insight into the modern church and his desire to safeguard the future of the church by leaning on the wisdom of the ancient church.

Contributors:
Tim Perry
Ben Myers
Katherine Sonderegger
Gregg R. Allison
Kevin J. Vanhoozer
R. Lucas Stamps
Christopher R. J. Holmes
Fred Sanders
Carl R. Trueman
David Ney
Peter J. Leithart
Joey Royal
Annette Brownlee
Preston D. S. Parsons
Jonathan Warren P. (Pagán)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683593461
Publisher:	Lexham Press
Publication date:	10/30/2019
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	1,096,696
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Tim Perry (PhD, Durham University) is adjunct professor of theology at Saint Paul University (Ottawa, ONT) and Trinity School for Ministry (Ambridge, PA). He is author of Mary for Evangelicals: Toward an Understanding of the Mother of Our Lord and editor of The Legacy of John Paul II: An Evangelical Assessment.

Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) is one of the foremost contemporary Catholic theologians: Pope from 2005 to 2013, Prefect for the Congregation of Doctrine and Faith from 1981 until his election as Pope, theological consultant to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), and longtime professor of theology. He is author of numerous books, including Introduction to Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth (3 vols.), and The Spirit of the Liturgy.

Table of Contents

Contributors xiii

Foreword Tracey Rowland xvii

Introduction 1

A Lion or a Dog? Tim Perry

1 "Truth, not Custom" 11

Joseph Ratzinger on Faith and Reason Ben Myers

Part I Dogmatic Theology

2 Writing Theology in a Secular Age 28

Joseph Ratzinger on Theological Method Katherine Sonderegger

3 Faith, Hope, and Love 46

Joseph Ratzinger on Theological Virtues Gregg R. Allison

4 Expounding the Word of the Lord 66

Joseph Ratzinger on Revelation, Tradition, and Biblical interpretation Kevin J. Vanhoozer

5 "Behold the Man" 87

Joseph Ratzinger on Theological Anthropology R. Lucas Stamps

6 Learning Jesus' Prayer-105

Joseph Ratzinger on Christology Christopher R.J. Holmes

7 "Behold the Handmaid of the Lord" 118

Joseph Ratzinger on Mary Tim Perry

8 Undiminished, Transcendent, and Relevant 136

Joseph Ratzinger on Teaching on the Trinity Fred Sanders

9 Is the Pope (Roman) Catholic? 152

Joseph Ratzinger on Ecumenism Carl R. Trueman

10 Recentering Ministry on Christ 168

Joseph Ratzinger on the Priesthood David Ney

Part II Liturgical Theology

11 One Book, One Body 186

Joseph Ratzinger on the Bible and the Liturgy Peter J. Leithart

12 "This Intimate Explosion of Good" 203

Joseph Ratzinger on the Eucharist Joey Royal

13 Servant of the Clear, Wide Word 220

Joseph Ratzinger on Preaching Annette Brownlee

14 Salvation, Will, and Agency 239

Joseph Ratzinger on Prayer Preston D. S. Parsons

15 Forming the Pilgrim Fellowship 255

Joseph Ratzinger on Catechesis Jonathan Warren P. (Pagán)

Afterword Matthew Levering 279

Ratzinger Sources 285

Works Cited 291

Subject Index 299

Scripture Index 313

Editorial Reviews

An astonishing volume of essays: articulate, frank, insightful, and suffused with fraternal respect.
—Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia

An exercise in ecumenical theology at its best.
—Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and the general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture.

A landmark study and a model of authentic dialogue.
—Scott Hahn, Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Founder and President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

We Protestants can still receive the gift of Benedict's profoundly Scriptural, Christocentric work and allow it to enrich our study, preaching, worship, and evangelism too. This book shows us how.
—Wesley Hill, associate professor of New Testament, Trinity School for Ministry

A marvelous introduction to Pope Benedict XVI’s theology.
—Ephraim Radner, Professor of Historical Theology, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

Tim Perry has placed Protestants and Catholics alike in his debt.
—Hans Boersma, St. Benedict Servants of Christ Professor in Ascetical Theology, Nashotah House, Wisconsin

An exercise in ecumenical theology at its best. —Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and the general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture.

A landmark study and a model of authentic dialogue. —Scott Hahn, Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Founder and President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

We Protestants can still receive the gift of Benedict's profoundly Scriptural, Christocentric work and allow it to enrich our study, preaching, worship, and evangelism too. This book shows us how. —Wesley Hill, associate professor of New Testament, Trinity School for Ministry

A marvelous introduction to Pope Benedict XVI’s theology. —Ephraim Radner, Professor of Historical Theology, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

Tim Perry has placed Protestants and Catholics alike in his debt. —Hans Boersma, St. Benedict Servants of Christ Professor in Ascetical Theology, Nashotah House, Wisconsin

From the Publisher