Catholic Theology

Nature and Mission of Theology

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger Cardinal Ratzinger wrote this book in response to the dialogue going on today concerning theology and the clarification of its methods, its mission and its limits which he thinks has become urgent. Ratzinger states: "To do theology-as the Magisterium understands theology-it is not sufficient merely to calculate how much religion can reasonably be expected of man and to utilize bits and pieces of the Christian tradition accordingly. Theology is born when the arbitrary judgment of reason encounters a limit, in that we discover something which we have not excogitated ourselves but which has been revealed to us. For this reason, not every religious theory has the right to label itself as Christian or Catholic theology simply because it wishes to do so; whoever would lay claim to this title is obligated to accept as meaningful the prior given which goes along with it." Sewn Softcover

Theology for Beginners (Book on tape)

Frank J. Sheed An outstanding modern introduction to the elements of theology for laymen by a great Catholic apologist. Read by Paul Rogers.

Principles of Catholic Theology

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger A collection of articles and talks written around a central theme the fundamental structure of Christianity: Catholicism, the inter-relationship of other forms of Christianity, the features that distinguish Catholicism from other Christian theologies. Ratzinger outlines the fundamental principles of theology and the proper relationship of theology to Church teaching and authority. Sewn Softcover

Theology of the Church

Theology of the Church was first published over forty years ago. Now more relevant than ever, the republishing of this classic has been greeted with joy by a great number of Christians. The work is a shorter version of the basic and beautiful book by the same author, the two volume The Church of the Incarnate Word. From this theological work, Cardinal Journet has extracted a shorter and more popular version intended for a wider reading audience. ' Readers will welcome the brilliant, intellectually rigorous, but highly spiritual thought which shines throughout the Cardinal's writing. And today, when clergy and laymen are more careful than ever to aquire or deepen their theological knowledge, the contribution of Cardinal Journet to ecclesiology needs to be available again. ' This edition includes two chapters written shortly after the Second Vatican Council. This addition both complements and gives added depth to the original text, providing the reader with a fresh outook on the learning of the author, whose love of the Church is evident in every sentence. St. Augustine's ā€œgaudium et veritateā€?, the joy of seaching for, and bringing forth, the Truth, was certainly the cause for which Cardinal Journet strove. Cardinal Charles Journet was born in 1891. A native of Switzerland, he rose to become a well-known and highly respected theologian. In 1965 he was elevated to Cardinal. When he passed away at the age of 84, he left a collection of theological works that are rightly considered classics.

Theology and Sanity

One of Sheed's most popular books, this ideal volume for the layman shows the practical aspects of theology in the life of a Christian believer. Logic, clarity, and simplicity permeate this eminently readable book. Sewn Softcover

Theology of Henri De Lubac

Hans Urs von Balthasar Hans Urs von Balthasar prepared this overview of the theology and spirituality of Henri de Lubac, whom he calls friend and master, on the occasion of the latters's eightieth birthday. Beginning with personal reflections drawn from the then unpublished pages of "memoirs" which de Lubac placed in his hands, von Balthasar offers a review of all the major works of de Lubac. Von Balthasar illustrates here the wonderful synthetic power for which he is justly known: bringing the range as well as the organic unity of de Lubac's work clearly into view. The main themes of that work remain as important now as when de Lubac first took them up--perhaps even more important. And there is no one better able to discuss these themes than von Balthasar, a master of theology in his own right and de Lubac's great friend for over fifty years. Co-published with Communio Books. "Von Balthasar provides us with an astonishing summary of the massive theological output of Henri de Lubac. Perhaps it would not be an exaggeration to say that here we have one theological giant synthesizing the ecclesiocentric thought of another giant. The book offers a double benefit, for in it we get a glimpse of two great contemporary theologians--de Lubac and von Balthasar." -- Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J., Editor, Homiletic and Pastoral Review Sewn Softcover

History and Theology of Grace

What is Grace? Among the mysteries of Catholicism, none is more practically important than the doctrine of grace. It is at the very heart of Christianity because it describes the panorama of God's dealings with mankind. However the doctrine of grace is not simple, as may be seen from the sequence of errors in the understanding of grace seen along the path of the Church's history. In History and Theology of Grace , Fr. John Hardon provides:' ' a rich and detailed summary of the Church's understanding of grace ' a well-ordered historical account of how the Church's understanding of grace developed ' an overview of the heresies on the doctrine of grace that have emerged throughout Church history ' an explanation of how the theology of grace impacts every aspect of Christian religion. ' 'Fr. Hardon reminds all Catholics of the integral role grace plays in our daily lives and how a clear grasp of the basic principles of grace is useful, and may at times be indispensable, for directing oneself and others on the road to salvation.'' Other books by Fr. John Hardon, S.J.: '' With Us Today '' Treasury of Catholic Wisdom '