Fortress Press

Renewal

Conversations in Catholic Theology

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Renewal: Conversations in Catholic Theology is a series of books and collected essay volumes oriented around reshaping and rethinking interpretation of the historical roots, theological impetus, and the subsequent reception of the Second Vatican Council. The intention of the series, beyond an elucidation of the Council and its origins, is a collective furthering of the work of the Council as an act of renewal in the discipline of theology through a retrieval of the vital insights and resources offered by the Council for the work of theology today.

While the thematic shape of the series is explicitly Catholic, the aim of the series as a whole is to be ecumenical, performing investigations and interpretations that should stimulate conversation and bear fruit across theological and ecclesial traditions. The series will be a significant resource for students, professors, and scholars engaged in historical and theological study and will be of vital use in course and seminar settings.

Series editors

Medi Ann Volpe is lecturer in systematic theology and ethics at Durham University in the United Kingdom. Her research focuses on identity and formation for Christian practice, and she is interested in the role of church and spirituality in faith formation. She is currently completing a book that examines accounts of Christian identity in the work of Rowan Williams, Kathryn Tanner, and John Milbank, and brings them into conversation with Gregory of Nyssa.

Now available in the series!

In the present day, there is widespread confusion regarding the theological achievements of the Catholic Enlightenment. This book outlines such contributions in the fields of biblical exegesis, church reform, liturgical renewal, and the move toward a more tolerant view of other churches and religions. Since some of the most important Catholic Enlighteners lived in Germany, this book concentrates on their endeavors, but also frequently points to other European players. Only an unpolemical historical assessment of the Catholic Enlightenment can help us to get out of the current gridlock of interpreting Vatican II: was there a break with tradition, or was there continuity?

By reviewing the historical debates that preceded Vatican II, the unknown, marginalized, or deliberately forgotten roots of the conciliar debates come to light that can help us fine-tune future hermeneutical endeavors. This history is hitherto unknown to most researchers. It is possibly the most neglected field of modern literary history. 

Endorsements

Underscores the special link that unites the new evangelization to the liturgy. . .

"Fr. Caldwell’s thorough study of the theological categories of liturgy and revelation underscores the special link that unites the new evangelization to the liturgy. Liturgy as Revelation encourages the new evangelization to make the liturgy its living reality, in order that the proclamation that it undertakes may attain its fullest meaning."

—Archbishop Rino Fisichella | President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization

Admirably fills a gap in the needed intersection between fundamental and liturgical theology. . .

"This work admirably fills a gap in the needed intersection between fundamental and liturgical theology. Offering a profound understanding of four important twentieth-century Catholic theologians (as well as Catholic theology in general since the late nineteenth century), Caldwell makes a fine case that the fundamental truths of revelation, faith, and worship are one."

 

—John F. Baldovin, SJ | Boston College

Fresh insights into the theological method of some of the most significant thinkers and writers to influence the development of the theology and ecclesiology of Vatican II. . .

"Fr. Philip Caldwell’s new study Liturgy as Revelation comes as a timely contribution to the Church’s continuing celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. It offers fresh insights into the theological method of some of the most significant thinkers and writers to influence the development of the theology and ecclesiology of Vatican II, and it encourages us to a deeper appreciation of the gift of the liturgy in the life and mission of the Church. Informed by Fr. Caldwell’s work as a teacher and formator, this book should also prove a useful tool in the context of ecumenical dialogue and reflection."

 

—The Most Rev. Bernard Longley | Archbishop of Birmingham

This remarkably lucid study provides the sitz im leben for the dialogue between fundamental theology and liturgy. . .

"This remarkably lucid study provides the sitz im leben for the dialogue between fundamental theology and liturgy that was the bridge from neo-scholasticism to the second Vatican Council. Caldwell tours the landscape by making a thorough examination of four influential theologians who merit our attention. They were ineluctably pressed to engage liturgy because they found that liturgy has a role in the transmission of revelation. Have we learned that lesson yet? Caldwell’s book shows the potential for theology if we do."

 

—David W. Fagerberg | University of Notre Dame

We need a book that faces the question in these terms and at this depth. . .

"Philip Caldwell gathers together for treatment in one place a huge and essential topic: the interface between a theology of revelation and the celebration of the liturgy. This interface is rooted in creation, becomes particular in Israel’s relationship with God, culminates in Jesus Christ, and continues in the Church’s liturgy. Giving first a historical perspective on why this question needs fresh answers, Caldwell then explores in detail four theologians who contribute to the synthetic vision he proposes. We need a book that faces the question in these terms and at this depth. Comprehensive consideration. Learned. Horizons wide open."

—Jeremy Driscoll, OSB | Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary, Pontifical Athenaeum San Anselmo, Rome
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