Introduction to ChristianityOne 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. |
Contents
| ii | |
| 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 |
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 |
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 |
Two MAJOR QUESTIONS POSED BY THE ARTICLES | 338 |
The resurrection of the body | 347 |
| 361 | |
| 377 | |
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Common terms and phrases
absolute already ancient appears assertion atheism attitude basic becomes Bible biblical burning bush certainly Chris Christian Christian belief Christian faith Christology Church comes completely concept contrary creative Creed Cross death decisive Descartes divine doctrine dogma Einsiedeln eternal experience expression fact Father finally formula Freiburg fundamental God's Gospel Greek historical Jesus holy human existence ical idea important individual infinitely intellectual Israel Jesus Christ Jesus of Nazareth last analysis liberal theology live logos longer look Lord man's Marxism means Monarchianism monotheism Munich mystery myth nature negative theology Old Testament original person philosophical polytheism precisely profession of faith pure question reality realm reflections religion remains resurrection reveals rience salvation seems sense signifies simply speak spirit stands theology thing thinking thought tion Trinity true truth Tübingen understanding understood unity whole word worship Yahweh