Reflection on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger (pope benedectXVI)
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Date
2012
Authors
Corkery, J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
This essay looks at ways in which the theology of Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope
Benedict XVI, shows affinities with Reformation theological thought. Following
a brief look at the background to my own interest in Ratzinger, I present some
important features of his theology, shedding light on it particularly through drawing
attention to those theological figures in the Christian tradition, Augustine and
Bonaventure, who have influenced him the most. A brief treatment is then offered
of how these theological forefathers are reflected in his work and, following this,
Reformation “flavours” shown to have been present in his writings are traced,
briefly, through examining three areas of his thought: ethics, his theology of political
life, and ecumenism. The purpose of the article is to indicate, in an incipient way for
an audience largely of the Reformed tradition, that Ratzinger is not as distant from
their theological concerns as might easily be imagined.
An address that I was fortunate to have the opportunity to give to the
Professors and students of the Faculty of Theology at the University of the
Free State in Bloemfontein, in July 2011, forms the background to this article
on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger and its affinities with Reformation
thought. Occasioning these reflections also is the fiftieth anniversary of
the opening of the Second Vatican Council on October 11, 1962, which has
led to a sprouting of conferences and commemorative lectures throughout
the world – in Roman Catholic circles in particular. Joseph Ratzinger has
been vocal, indeed controversial,among the Council’s main interpreters
and much interest has developed in his theological views and in the
main factors influencing them. Among these are his German origins, his upbringing and education in the land where the Reformation began, and
his professorial work in Catholic theological faculties in several German
universities side by side with colleagues in parallel Protestant faculties.
Even a superficial glance at his writings leaves no doubt that this Germanborn
theologian, whose “theology has always been in intense conversation
with the Reformation traditions” (Neuhaus 1998), exhibits an interesting
affinity with themes and concerns that are important to the Churches of the
Reformation. My purpose here is to try to highlight some of these themes
and concerns and thus indicate how this theologian, who is currently head
of the Roman Catholic Church, is closer than one might expect to the
heritage of the Reformation. A rhetorical question that is sometimes posed
in English to indicate a lack of surprise is: “is the Pope Catholic?” But here
I am asking: in what sense might the Pope be Reformed?!
Description
Keywords
Joseph Ratzinger, Reformation/Reformed, Faith and works, Catholicism/Catholic, Theology
Citation
Corkery, J. (2012). Reflection on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). Acta Theologica, 32(2).