Pope Benedict XVI: The Conscience of Our Age - Hardcover

Twomey, Vincent

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1586171704 ISBN 13: 9781586171704

Publisher: Ignatius Press, 2007

Synopsis

Fr. D. Vincent Twomey, a former doctoral student of Joseph Ratzinger and long time friend of the Pope, felt the need to respond to the common question he heard often after the papal election, What kind of person is the new Pope? So often Twomey had read false depictions of both the man and his thought, especially the image presented by the media as a grim enforcer. Twomey offers here a unique double presentation of the man, Pope Benedict XVI a theological portrait that encompasses both an overview of the writings, teachings and thought of the brilliant theologian and spiritual writer, as well as the man himself, and his personality traits and how he communicates with others. Twomey shows that the secret to the serene dignified behavior of Benedict is that he is open to beauty as much as truth, that he lives outside himself, and is not preoccupied with his own self. He also is a man that Twomey says has the courage to be imperfect , showing he has a deep humility and strives for teaching the truth even when misunderstood or not presented as well as he would like.

About this title

Review:

ln the middle of the usual pre-Christmas commercially driven media hype, Vincent Twomey, with the courage of Daniel in the lion's den, spoke on Joe Duffy's Liveline about the merit of saving Christmas hymns until - Christmas! This innocuous plea was greeted by most contributors to the programme with varying degrees of howling and hostility. He was accused of being a killjoy who would bring charities to ruin and deprive people in nursing homes of their annual festive cheer. With a relentless courtesy, good humour, common sense and humility Dr Twomey fielded the barbs of those who claimed to be offended by his suggestion. ln all this he displayed something of the qualities he attributes to Pope Benedict XVI in his current theological portrait of the Pope who has faced an uphill struggle with the media himself since he replaced the more obviously charismatic Pope John Paul ll in the chair of St Peter. ln evaluating with his customary lucidity and erudition the Pope's writings, teachings and thought, Dr Twomey brings a depth of personal affection, experience and admiration of his subject. The lens through which he peers is clearly one of friendship and yet at the same time he saves his study from being mere hagiography by managing to summarise with fairness (even whilst efficiently dispatching them) the major criticisms faced by the man the media once dubbed 'God's Rottweiler' and whom they now prefer to tease for his taste in footwear. Complete with footnotes, index and inclusion of a notable sermon from the Pope preached to his former students this neat volume should help dispel some of the unfriendly myths and mockeries that have gathered around the first elected Pope of the 21st century. --Fr Paul Clayton-Lea, Intercom

About the Author:

Fr. D. Vincent Twomey, S.V.D., holds a PH.D. in Theology and is a Professor of Moral Theology at the Pontifical University at St. Patrick's College in Ireland. He is the author of several books including his most recent acclaimed study on the state of Irish Catholicism, The End Of Irish Catholicism?

About this edition

• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1586171704
• ISBN 13: 9781586171704
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 220