Explorations in the Theology of Benedict XVI

Edited by John C. Cavadini

Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement of his imminent resignation has, understandably, ushered in a flood of assessments of his papacy, both of his administration of the Papal office and of his theological contributions. Many observers have characterized Benedict XVI as remaining foremost a theologian; it is in that role that a multidisciplinary group of scholars treat the full scope of Benedict’s theological oeuvre in Explorations in the Theology of Benedict XVI.

Edited by John C. Cavadini, the volume provides an introduction to Benedict’s ecclesially grounded theology, articulated in his essays, monographs, and sermons, and also serves as a primer in the major concerns of recent and current Catholic theological discourse. Says Cavadini: “We are losing a great leader, certainly one of the most sophisticated theological minds to serve as Pope in modern history. His legacy is one of integration on so many fronts—integration of faith and reason above all, but also of witness and dialogue, culture and community, Catholic Social Teaching and its place in the wider framework of Catholic theology, Eros and Agape—he refused dichotomy and cultivated dialectic.”

“If you’re looking for a synoptic view of Benedict XVI’s theological achievement, this is by a long way the best thing on offer in English. Each of the essays provides a detailed engagement with a central theme in Benedict’s theology, treated not merely in isolation but also in terms of its relations to the whole. The result is a profound depiction of the range, scope, and integrated nature of Benedict’s theology. This is a volume that honors the thinker it treats by taking him seriously not only as pope, but also as a theologian.” —Paul J. Griffiths, Duke Divinity School

John C. Cavadini is professor of theology and McGrath-Cavadini Director of the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame.

Contributors: Gary A. Anderson, Kimberly Hope Belcher, Simona Beretta, Peter Casarella, John C. Cavadini, Lawrence S. Cunningham, Robert M. Gimello, Matthew Levering, Francesca Aran Murphy, Edward T. Oakes, S.J., Cyril O’Regan, Daniel Philpott.

Explorations in the Theology of Benedict XVI

Edited by John C. Cavadini

Publication Date: January 1, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-268-02309-6 / cloth edition 2013, $30.00

ISBN: 978-0-268-07698-6 / e-book perpetual ownership, $21.00;

e-book 30-day ownership, $7.00

To order, visit http://undpress.nd.edu/book/P03043

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