Pope Benedict Review

book REVIEW
Ratzinger’s Faith
Tracey Rowland
The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI
Oxford University Press £12.99

Because of Joseph Ratzinger’s crucial role in the Vatican before his election as successor to Pope John Paul II, this book greatly assists us in unravelling how the Cardinal was able to move smoothly and without any great sense of effort to the throne of St.Peter. It also helps us if we want to know more – there are many references to where we might go if we want to explore further.Rowland is Dean and Associate Professor of Political Philosophy and Continental Theology of the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, Australia and the book proclaims itself as “The first substantial assessment of Pope Benedict XVI’s theological vision.”

The book is well written with a concise sense of conviction and focus. It looks at revelation, scripture and tradition as well as exploring liturgical issues and the nature of communion. The Subiaco and Regensburg addresses, delivered by the Pope, are appended in full.

This book is an excellent resource for all those concerned about unity and authority. Urging Christians to stick to the truth as revealed in Jesus, Rowland suggests that Ratzinger sees the Church as the vehicle by which the truth is revealed: “He is critical of interpretations which would transform Christianity into what he provocatively calls a ‘poorly managed haberdashery that is always trying to lure more customers.”