Christianity and the Culture of Relativism in the Anthropologies of Joseph Ratzinger and Stanley Hauerwas

Christianity and the Culture of Relativism in the Anthropologies of Joseph Ratzinger and Stanley Hauerwas

Author: Charles Ssennyondo STL STD

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2012-12-17

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 147974445X

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Joseph Ratzinger rates relativism as the greatest challenge of the Church today. What he describes is not a new phenomenon but his theology highlights its origins and magnitude. Stanley Hauerwas fights the same battle on the Protestant side. This book attempts to discover and streamline their deliberations, showing their meeting points and where they differ, and remedies they offer to combat the crisis. It seeks to argue out the best response to relativism that can most appropriately benefit both Western and African Christendom. Despite being a Western phenomenon, relativism is no longer an exclusively Western problem. It is, rather, imposing itself as the new world culture, depicting all other cultures and perspectives as inferior. Ratzinger christened this the Dictatorship of Relativism, while Hauerwas calls it Policing of Christian Values. While Ratzingers greatest worry is relativisms denial of Truth (mostly from outside the ekklesia), for Hauerwas, relativism is not a force from without (of the Church) but part and parcel of the peoples modern ways of life, in which Christian values are persecuted in the name of peaceful existence. Both perspectives point at a crisis of cultures where the past is rejected and the future disconnected from the present, which trend inevitably leads to disintegration a leap into the dark. While the pre-Modern world sought God, the Modern world sought knowledge. The contemporary world seeks relativism. But all is not lost. The truth can still be found through the word of God and Christian culture.


Book Synopsis Christianity and the Culture of Relativism in the Anthropologies of Joseph Ratzinger and Stanley Hauerwas by : Charles Ssennyondo STL STD

Download or read book Christianity and the Culture of Relativism in the Anthropologies of Joseph Ratzinger and Stanley Hauerwas written by Charles Ssennyondo STL STD and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2012-12-17 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Joseph Ratzinger rates relativism as the greatest challenge of the Church today. What he describes is not a new phenomenon but his theology highlights its origins and magnitude. Stanley Hauerwas fights the same battle on the Protestant side. This book attempts to discover and streamline their deliberations, showing their meeting points and where they differ, and remedies they offer to combat the crisis. It seeks to argue out the best response to relativism that can most appropriately benefit both Western and African Christendom. Despite being a Western phenomenon, relativism is no longer an exclusively Western problem. It is, rather, imposing itself as the new world culture, depicting all other cultures and perspectives as inferior. Ratzinger christened this the Dictatorship of Relativism, while Hauerwas calls it Policing of Christian Values. While Ratzingers greatest worry is relativisms denial of Truth (mostly from outside the ekklesia), for Hauerwas, relativism is not a force from without (of the Church) but part and parcel of the peoples modern ways of life, in which Christian values are persecuted in the name of peaceful existence. Both perspectives point at a crisis of cultures where the past is rejected and the future disconnected from the present, which trend inevitably leads to disintegration a leap into the dark. While the pre-Modern world sought God, the Modern world sought knowledge. The contemporary world seeks relativism. But all is not lost. The truth can still be found through the word of God and Christian culture.

Christianity and the Culture of Relativism in the Anthropologies of Joseph Ratzinger and Stanley Hauerwas

Christianity and the Culture of Relativism in the Anthropologies of Joseph Ratzinger and Stanley Hauerwas

Author: Charles Ssennyondo

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2012-12-01

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 9781479744435

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Joseph Ratzinger rates relativism as the greatest challenge of the Church today. What he describes is not a new phenomenon but his theology highlights its origins and magnitude. Stanley Hauerwas fights the same battle on the Protestant side. This book attempts to discover and streamline their deliberations, showing their meeting points and where they differ, and remedies they offer to combat the crisis. It seeks to argue out the best response to relativism that can most appropriately benefit both Western and African Christendom. Despite being a Western phenomenon, relativism is no longer an exclusively Western problem. It is, rather, imposing itself as the new world culture, depicting all other cultures and perspectives as inferior. Ratzinger christened this the Dictatorship of Relativism', while Hauerwas calls it Policing of Christian Values'. While Ratzinger's greatest worry is relativism's denial of Truth (mostly from outside the ekklesia), for Hauerwas, relativism is not a force from without (of the Church) but part and parcel of the peoples' modern ways of life, in which Christian values are persecuted in the name of peaceful existence. Both perspectives point at a crisis of cultures where the past is rejected and the future disconnected from the present, which trend inevitably leads to disintegration a leap into the dark. While the pre-Modern world sought God, the Modern world sought knowledge. The contemporary world seeks relativism. But all is not lost. The truth can still be found through the word of God and Christian culture.


Book Synopsis Christianity and the Culture of Relativism in the Anthropologies of Joseph Ratzinger and Stanley Hauerwas by : Charles Ssennyondo

Download or read book Christianity and the Culture of Relativism in the Anthropologies of Joseph Ratzinger and Stanley Hauerwas written by Charles Ssennyondo and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2012-12-01 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Joseph Ratzinger rates relativism as the greatest challenge of the Church today. What he describes is not a new phenomenon but his theology highlights its origins and magnitude. Stanley Hauerwas fights the same battle on the Protestant side. This book attempts to discover and streamline their deliberations, showing their meeting points and where they differ, and remedies they offer to combat the crisis. It seeks to argue out the best response to relativism that can most appropriately benefit both Western and African Christendom. Despite being a Western phenomenon, relativism is no longer an exclusively Western problem. It is, rather, imposing itself as the new world culture, depicting all other cultures and perspectives as inferior. Ratzinger christened this the Dictatorship of Relativism', while Hauerwas calls it Policing of Christian Values'. While Ratzinger's greatest worry is relativism's denial of Truth (mostly from outside the ekklesia), for Hauerwas, relativism is not a force from without (of the Church) but part and parcel of the peoples' modern ways of life, in which Christian values are persecuted in the name of peaceful existence. Both perspectives point at a crisis of cultures where the past is rejected and the future disconnected from the present, which trend inevitably leads to disintegration a leap into the dark. While the pre-Modern world sought God, the Modern world sought knowledge. The contemporary world seeks relativism. But all is not lost. The truth can still be found through the word of God and Christian culture.

Joseph Ratzinger in Communio, Volume 2

Joseph Ratzinger in Communio, Volume 2

Author: Pope Benedict XVI

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Published: 2013-01-30

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 0802864171

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Timely theological insights on culture and humanity from the pen of the Pontiff In this second volume of Joseph Ratzinger in Communio, Pope Benedict XVI speaks to various issues relating to humanity today -- conscience, technological security, the origin of human life, the meaning of Sunday, Christian hope, and more. As editor David L. Schindler notes, "Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) rarely writes on any churchly matter that does not manifest its implications for man and culture, and vice versa. Indeed, this indissoluble linking is one of the main distinguishing features of his theology." This is the second of three volumes; the first deals with themes relating to the Church, and the third volume is to focus on theological renewal.


Book Synopsis Joseph Ratzinger in Communio, Volume 2 by : Pope Benedict XVI

Download or read book Joseph Ratzinger in Communio, Volume 2 written by Pope Benedict XVI and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 2013-01-30 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Timely theological insights on culture and humanity from the pen of the Pontiff In this second volume of Joseph Ratzinger in Communio, Pope Benedict XVI speaks to various issues relating to humanity today -- conscience, technological security, the origin of human life, the meaning of Sunday, Christian hope, and more. As editor David L. Schindler notes, "Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) rarely writes on any churchly matter that does not manifest its implications for man and culture, and vice versa. Indeed, this indissoluble linking is one of the main distinguishing features of his theology." This is the second of three volumes; the first deals with themes relating to the Church, and the third volume is to focus on theological renewal.

Western Culture Today and Tomorrow

Western Culture Today and Tomorrow

Author: Joseph Ratzinger

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2019-08-01

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 1621643166

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Well known for his important scholarly contributions to dogmatic theology and biblical commentary, Joseph Ratzinger has also written penetrating observations of our times. Formerly titled Europe Today and Tomorrow in a previous edition, this book includes some of his keen insights about the social and political challenges confronting modern Western societies. Writing most of these chapters just before his election as pope, Ratzinger sought to remind Europeans, who at the time were crafting a new constitution, that the civilizational project we call “the West” is a cultural achievement with a history. Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome were the three foundation stones upon which Western civilization was built, he wrote. Their invaluable contributions form the basis for the Western understanding of human dignity and human rights, which spread from Europe to the United States and beyond.


Book Synopsis Western Culture Today and Tomorrow by : Joseph Ratzinger

Download or read book Western Culture Today and Tomorrow written by Joseph Ratzinger and published by Ignatius Press. This book was released on 2019-08-01 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Well known for his important scholarly contributions to dogmatic theology and biblical commentary, Joseph Ratzinger has also written penetrating observations of our times. Formerly titled Europe Today and Tomorrow in a previous edition, this book includes some of his keen insights about the social and political challenges confronting modern Western societies. Writing most of these chapters just before his election as pope, Ratzinger sought to remind Europeans, who at the time were crafting a new constitution, that the civilizational project we call “the West” is a cultural achievement with a history. Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome were the three foundation stones upon which Western civilization was built, he wrote. Their invaluable contributions form the basis for the Western understanding of human dignity and human rights, which spread from Europe to the United States and beyond.

Anthropology and Theology

Anthropology and Theology

Author: Douglas Davies

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2020-05-18

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1000183580

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Anthropology and Christian Theology have traditionally interpreted religion in quite different ways and have often been thought of as hostile to one another. In fact, a fundamental concern for human experience lies at the heart of both disciplines. This innovative book takes a new look at key anthropological and theological themes, and explores the intricacies of their interplay throughout history and in the present. Sacrifice, embodiment, ritual, incarnation, symbolism, gift and power are all related in ways that shed new light on religious behaviour and belief. Detailed analysis of fundamental Christian rites shows how they help generate emotional meaning and inspire philosophical ideas, and demonstrates how the body serves as a vehicle for religious beliefs. Through an examination of these issues and much more, Davies reveals how religious rituals help people to become secure in their sense of identity. This accessible foray into new territory is essential reading for anthropologists, theologians, or anyone interested in religion who is seeking new interpretations of familiar themes.


Book Synopsis Anthropology and Theology by : Douglas Davies

Download or read book Anthropology and Theology written by Douglas Davies and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2020-05-18 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Anthropology and Christian Theology have traditionally interpreted religion in quite different ways and have often been thought of as hostile to one another. In fact, a fundamental concern for human experience lies at the heart of both disciplines. This innovative book takes a new look at key anthropological and theological themes, and explores the intricacies of their interplay throughout history and in the present. Sacrifice, embodiment, ritual, incarnation, symbolism, gift and power are all related in ways that shed new light on religious behaviour and belief. Detailed analysis of fundamental Christian rites shows how they help generate emotional meaning and inspire philosophical ideas, and demonstrates how the body serves as a vehicle for religious beliefs. Through an examination of these issues and much more, Davies reveals how religious rituals help people to become secure in their sense of identity. This accessible foray into new territory is essential reading for anthropologists, theologians, or anyone interested in religion who is seeking new interpretations of familiar themes.

A Theological Anthropology

A Theological Anthropology

Author: Hans Urs von Balthasar

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2010-04-01

Total Pages: 355

ISBN-13: 1608995291

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Originally published in 1967 (the German title of the original volume translates to The Whole in the Fragment), A Theological Anthropology is described by the author as "an essay." Indeed, it is man's history of theology, without firm conclusions, but brilliantly written by one of the foremost theologians of his time.


Book Synopsis A Theological Anthropology by : Hans Urs von Balthasar

Download or read book A Theological Anthropology written by Hans Urs von Balthasar and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2010-04-01 with total page 355 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Originally published in 1967 (the German title of the original volume translates to The Whole in the Fragment), A Theological Anthropology is described by the author as "an essay." Indeed, it is man's history of theology, without firm conclusions, but brilliantly written by one of the foremost theologians of his time.

On Conscience

On Conscience

Author: Joseph Ratzinger

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2010-11-09

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13: 1681493608

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Prepared and co-published by the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, this book is a combination of two lengthy essays written by Cardinal Ratzinger and delivered in talks when he was head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Both talks deal with the importance of conscience and its exercise in particular circumstances. Ratzinger's reflections show that contemporary debates over the nature of conscience have deep historical and philosophical roots. He says that a person is bound to act in accord with his conscience, but he makes it clear that there must be reliable, proven sources for the judgment of conscience in moral issues, other than the subjective reflections of each individual. The always unique and profound insights that the new Pope Benedict XVI brings to perennial problems reminds the reader of his strong warning before the recent Papal conclave of the great dangers today of the "dictatorship of relativism."


Book Synopsis On Conscience by : Joseph Ratzinger

Download or read book On Conscience written by Joseph Ratzinger and published by Ignatius Press. This book was released on 2010-11-09 with total page 92 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Prepared and co-published by the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, this book is a combination of two lengthy essays written by Cardinal Ratzinger and delivered in talks when he was head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Both talks deal with the importance of conscience and its exercise in particular circumstances. Ratzinger's reflections show that contemporary debates over the nature of conscience have deep historical and philosophical roots. He says that a person is bound to act in accord with his conscience, but he makes it clear that there must be reliable, proven sources for the judgment of conscience in moral issues, other than the subjective reflections of each individual. The always unique and profound insights that the new Pope Benedict XVI brings to perennial problems reminds the reader of his strong warning before the recent Papal conclave of the great dangers today of the "dictatorship of relativism."

Theology and the Anthropology of Christian Life

Theology and the Anthropology of Christian Life

Author: Joel Robbins

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2020-07-29

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 0192583689

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Anthropological theory can radically transform our understanding of human experience and offer theologians an introduction to the interdisciplinary nature between anthropology and Christianity. Both sociocultural anthropology and theology have made fundamental contributions to our understanding of human experience and the place of humanity in the world. But can these two disciplines, despite the radical differences that separate them, work together to transform their thinking on these topics? Robbins argues that they can. To make this point, he draws on key theological discussions of atonement, eschatology, interruption, passivity, and judgement to rethink important anthropological debates about such topics as ethical life, radical change, the ways people live in time, agency, gift giving, and the nature of humanity. The result is both a major reconsideration of important aspects of anthropological theory through theological categories and a series of careful readings of influential theologians such as Moltmann, Pannenberg, Jüngel, and Dalferth informed by rich ethnographic accounts of the lives of Christians from around the world. In conclusion, Robbins draws on contemporary discussions of secularism to interrogate the secular foundations of anthropology and suggests that the differences between anthropology and theology surrounding this topic can provide a foundation for transformative dialogue between them, rather than being an obstacle to it. Written as a work of interdisciplinary anthropological theorizing, this book also offers theologians an introduction to some of the most important ground covered by burgeoning field of the anthropology of Christianity while guiding anthropologists into core areas of theological discussion. Although theoretically ambitious, the book is clearly argued throughout and written to be accessible to all readers in the social sciences, theology, and religious studies interested in the place of religion in social life and human experience.


Book Synopsis Theology and the Anthropology of Christian Life by : Joel Robbins

Download or read book Theology and the Anthropology of Christian Life written by Joel Robbins and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2020-07-29 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Anthropological theory can radically transform our understanding of human experience and offer theologians an introduction to the interdisciplinary nature between anthropology and Christianity. Both sociocultural anthropology and theology have made fundamental contributions to our understanding of human experience and the place of humanity in the world. But can these two disciplines, despite the radical differences that separate them, work together to transform their thinking on these topics? Robbins argues that they can. To make this point, he draws on key theological discussions of atonement, eschatology, interruption, passivity, and judgement to rethink important anthropological debates about such topics as ethical life, radical change, the ways people live in time, agency, gift giving, and the nature of humanity. The result is both a major reconsideration of important aspects of anthropological theory through theological categories and a series of careful readings of influential theologians such as Moltmann, Pannenberg, Jüngel, and Dalferth informed by rich ethnographic accounts of the lives of Christians from around the world. In conclusion, Robbins draws on contemporary discussions of secularism to interrogate the secular foundations of anthropology and suggests that the differences between anthropology and theology surrounding this topic can provide a foundation for transformative dialogue between them, rather than being an obstacle to it. Written as a work of interdisciplinary anthropological theorizing, this book also offers theologians an introduction to some of the most important ground covered by burgeoning field of the anthropology of Christianity while guiding anthropologists into core areas of theological discussion. Although theoretically ambitious, the book is clearly argued throughout and written to be accessible to all readers in the social sciences, theology, and religious studies interested in the place of religion in social life and human experience.

The Dictatorship of Relativism

The Dictatorship of Relativism

Author: Gediminas T. Jankunas

Publisher: Saint Pauls

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780818913167

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The origin of relativism has been traced back to the famous statement of the Greek philosopher Protagoras: ôMan is the measure of all things, of those being that they are, of those not being, that they are not.ö It is Pope Benedict XVI's claim that in an unreflected, uncritical and naive way, the modern world has been ensnared into relativism. Because relativists do not accept anything as the absolute truth, Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church are considered contextual and therefore merely subjective in nature. This work shows how relativism was experienced by the young Joseph Ratzinger in Nazi Germany, how his world view was solidified when studying Augustine and Bonaventure, and how the Second Vatican Council, where he served as a peritus, was sensitive to this issue. His classic work on 20th century theology, Introduction to Christianity, was an attempt to overcome the rising tide of relativism as he saw it. This was further explored in the best-selling titles Truth and Tolerance and Without Roots. As Pope, he has returned to this subject time and again. The remedy he offers is profound yet simple: truth lies in Jesus Christ, the only and unique revelation of God. It is only by recognizing Jesus Christ, the Church and her liturgy, that the deleterious effects of relativism might be overcome. His is the voice which proclaims the problem to the world; his is also the voice offering ways to overcome it. This book shows us how. Book jacket.


Book Synopsis The Dictatorship of Relativism by : Gediminas T. Jankunas

Download or read book The Dictatorship of Relativism written by Gediminas T. Jankunas and published by Saint Pauls. This book was released on 2011 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The origin of relativism has been traced back to the famous statement of the Greek philosopher Protagoras: ôMan is the measure of all things, of those being that they are, of those not being, that they are not.ö It is Pope Benedict XVI's claim that in an unreflected, uncritical and naive way, the modern world has been ensnared into relativism. Because relativists do not accept anything as the absolute truth, Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church are considered contextual and therefore merely subjective in nature. This work shows how relativism was experienced by the young Joseph Ratzinger in Nazi Germany, how his world view was solidified when studying Augustine and Bonaventure, and how the Second Vatican Council, where he served as a peritus, was sensitive to this issue. His classic work on 20th century theology, Introduction to Christianity, was an attempt to overcome the rising tide of relativism as he saw it. This was further explored in the best-selling titles Truth and Tolerance and Without Roots. As Pope, he has returned to this subject time and again. The remedy he offers is profound yet simple: truth lies in Jesus Christ, the only and unique revelation of God. It is only by recognizing Jesus Christ, the Church and her liturgy, that the deleterious effects of relativism might be overcome. His is the voice which proclaims the problem to the world; his is also the voice offering ways to overcome it. This book shows us how. Book jacket.

The Social and Political Thought of Benedict XVI

The Social and Political Thought of Benedict XVI

Author: Thomas R. Rourke

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 166

ISBN-13: 9780739142806

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Covering the entire trajectory of his religious life, this meticulously researched book identifies the roots of political and social order in Pope Benedict XVI's philosophy and analyzes his views on the role of Christian faith in politics. Although not generally characterized as a political philosopher, Benedict's writings shed significant and unique light on the world of politics today. In an age when modern politics has lost sight of its proper relationship within the larger scheme of human affairs and existence, Thomas R. Rourke shows that, as both Pope and the former Cardinal Ratzinger, Benedict has made a conscious effort to relate political issues to the broader dialogue on human endeavor, ethics, and culture. Bringing to the fore Benedict's belief on the necessary place of the Christian tradition in a contemporary politics of reason, Rourke details the Pope's contribution to solving the deeper problems of politics today. A valuable study in political theory and religion, this book should be read by those interested in Catholic social and political thought. Book jacket.


Book Synopsis The Social and Political Thought of Benedict XVI by : Thomas R. Rourke

Download or read book The Social and Political Thought of Benedict XVI written by Thomas R. Rourke and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2010 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Covering the entire trajectory of his religious life, this meticulously researched book identifies the roots of political and social order in Pope Benedict XVI's philosophy and analyzes his views on the role of Christian faith in politics. Although not generally characterized as a political philosopher, Benedict's writings shed significant and unique light on the world of politics today. In an age when modern politics has lost sight of its proper relationship within the larger scheme of human affairs and existence, Thomas R. Rourke shows that, as both Pope and the former Cardinal Ratzinger, Benedict has made a conscious effort to relate political issues to the broader dialogue on human endeavor, ethics, and culture. Bringing to the fore Benedict's belief on the necessary place of the Christian tradition in a contemporary politics of reason, Rourke details the Pope's contribution to solving the deeper problems of politics today. A valuable study in political theory and religion, this book should be read by those interested in Catholic social and political thought. Book jacket.