Introduction to Christianity

Joseph Ratzinger

Ignatius Press, 2004 - Religion - 300 pages

One of Cardinal Ratzinger's most important and widely read books, this volume is a revised second edition with an improved translation and an in-depth 20 page preface by the Cardinal. As he states in the preface, since this book was first published over 30 years ago, many changes and significant events have occurred in the world, and in the Church. But even so, he says he is firmly convinced that his fundamental approach in this book is still very timely and crucial for the spiritual needs of modern man. That approach puts the question of God and the question about Christ in the very center, which leads to a "narrative Christology" and demonstrates that the place for faith is in the Church.

Thus, this remarkable elucidation of the Apostle's Creed gives an excellent, modern interpretation of the foundations of Christianity. Ratzinger's profound treatment of Christianity's basic truths combines a spiritual outlook with a deep knowledge of Scripture and the history of theology.

What people are saying

User Review -

it is very easy to see Cardinal Ratzinger's most serious remark on page 82-83 indicating Matthew 28:19 is another fabricatoin, another lie inserted into the Bible during 2nd-3rd century Rome.
And yet there is another fabrication, 1 John 5:7 is deemed another apocrypha or doubtful verse.
So, what is left of Christianity? Resurrection has been removed from the 4 gospels in the RSV and ISV Bibles, 1 John 5:7 changed to "for there are that bear TESTIMONY in heaven: blood, water, and spirit, and these 3 are in agreement." Matthew 28:19 is a bogus.
So, Pope Ratzinger should come forward and admit they have been cooking the books for the last 1700 years. 

Contents

• PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION: ii
• PREFACE TO THE 1968 EDITION: 31
• BELIEF IN THE WORLD OF TODAY: 39
• THE ECCLESIASTICAL FORM OF FAITH: 82
• PROLEGOMENA TO THE SUBJECT OF GOD: 103
• THE BIBLICAL BELIEF IN GOD: 116
• THE GOD OF FAITH AND THE GOD OF: 137
• FAITH IN GOD TODAY: 151
• BELIEF IN THE TRIUNE GOD: 162
• OUR LORD: 193
• The Creeds image of Christ: 202
• JESUS CHRISTTRUE GOD AND TRUE MAN: 210
• THE DIFFERENT PATHS TAKEN BY CHRISTOLOGY: 228
• CHRISTIAN STRUCTURES: 243
• CHRISTOLOGICAL ARTICLES OF THE CREED: 271
• Suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified: 281
• Descended into hell: 293
• Rose again from the dead: 301
• He ascended into heaven and is seated at: 310
• He will come again to judge the living: 318
• THE INTRINSIC UNITY OF THE LAST STATEMENTS: 331
• Two MAJOR QUESTIONS POSED BY THE ARTICLES: 338
• The resurrection of the body: 347
• GENERAL INDEX: 361
• SCRIPTURE INDEX: 377

About the author

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders of our age. As Pope he authored the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth; and prior to his pontificate, he wrote many influential books that continue to remain important for the contemporary Church, such as Introduction to Christianity and The Spirit of the Liturgy.

 

Bibliographic information

• Title: Introduction to Christianity; Communio books
• Author: Joseph Ratzinger
• Edition: reprint, revised
• Publisher: Ignatius Press, 2004
• ISBN: 1586170295, 9781586170295
• Length: 300 pages
• Subjects: Religion / Christian Theology / General; Religion / Christianity / General