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An Invitation to Faith: An A to Z Primer on the Thought of Pope Benedict XVI
As soon as he was elected to the Papacy, Benedict XVI immediately challenged the relativism of our times that rejects God, that sees noting as definitive, and that, according to the Pope, sets as the ultimate yardstick the individual's own ego and desires alone. The Pope offers instead an opposing standard: Christ, the Son of God, the true man. The Pope's words are rousing and demand an examination of conscience. His words are meant for all.
With strong words, Benedict XVI invites us to place God at the center of our lives. Thus, this book is a selection of key words from the teachings of the Holy Father since he began his Pontificate, presented in alphabetical order. Each key word leads to an inspiring and insightful meditation from the Pope on various important spiritual themes and topics. Benedict XVI invites us in these words to become daily actors in the real revolution that comes from God and is called Love.
This volume is a handy little primer on the thought of the beloved Pontiff in which the reader can pick out any key word or topic form the alphabetical order of meditations throughout the book to meditate and focus on.
With strong words, Benedict XVI invites us to place God at the center of our lives. Thus, this book is a selection of key words from the teachings of the Holy Father since he began his Pontificate, presented in alphabetical order. Each key word leads to an inspiring and insightful meditation from the Pope on various important spiritual themes and topics. Benedict XVI invites us in these words to become daily actors in the real revolution that comes from God and is called Love.
This volume is a handy little primer on the thought of the beloved Pontiff in which the reader can pick out any key word or topic form the alphabetical order of meditations throughout the book to meditate and focus on.
110 pages, Hardcover
First published July 31, 2007
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Pope Benedict XVI
943 books942 followersOriginally
Joseph Ratzinger
, a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 2, 2021
Could have been read quickly but I decided to read the book during my Holy Hour (Adoration). Chock full of spiritual topics, A through Z. Very enjoyable. Will probably pick up again.
December 23, 2022
This book is a collection of statements that Pope Benedict XVI has on specific terms related to faith. I guess these are the words that represents most of the things he talked about in his writings and teachings as a theologian, a priest, bishop and then eventually a pope.
What I found noticeable was there were words where there are more statements derived from his writings or teachings. These words were “love”, “marriage”, and “God”. Somehow, I get to understand why his first encyclical was “Deus Caritas Est” by those words. It was interesting how even love as Eros, the pope used it to describe how God loves us. I remember how Christopher West talked about how the Song of Songs would also talk about that kind of love that God has for us.
I find it also interesting to read Benedict XVI’s first encyclical. I remember it was released when I was in high school. I feel I am more ready to read it now.
Lastly, I like the teaching on the word “Youth” and “Zeal”. These talked of vocation. The pope encouraged the youth to answer God’s call and be not afraid. Whether the call is for religious life or married life, both vocations are beautiful. Both are callings of how we are called to love and serve. It also talked of the joy of the love found in marriage. Though it seems that we can see many prohibitions, but those are great “yeses” to a love that matures and grows in truth, grows through time. These are ways that the love is purified for a “true and lasting joy” that also holds in it its vision of eternity. I was really thinking of why other people outside of the faith seems to enjoy life more and do whatever they want. But when those statements on vocation and marriage were brought up, I understand more the vision that God has for the love between married couples. I remember a quote that said, if a love is weak and untrue, it is like a candle flame, the wind blows away. But a strong, chaste, and true love, is like a brushfire, that the winds spread into a great and mighty flame! Such is a love we are made for.
What I found noticeable was there were words where there are more statements derived from his writings or teachings. These words were “love”, “marriage”, and “God”. Somehow, I get to understand why his first encyclical was “Deus Caritas Est” by those words. It was interesting how even love as Eros, the pope used it to describe how God loves us. I remember how Christopher West talked about how the Song of Songs would also talk about that kind of love that God has for us.
I find it also interesting to read Benedict XVI’s first encyclical. I remember it was released when I was in high school. I feel I am more ready to read it now.
Lastly, I like the teaching on the word “Youth” and “Zeal”. These talked of vocation. The pope encouraged the youth to answer God’s call and be not afraid. Whether the call is for religious life or married life, both vocations are beautiful. Both are callings of how we are called to love and serve. It also talked of the joy of the love found in marriage. Though it seems that we can see many prohibitions, but those are great “yeses” to a love that matures and grows in truth, grows through time. These are ways that the love is purified for a “true and lasting joy” that also holds in it its vision of eternity. I was really thinking of why other people outside of the faith seems to enjoy life more and do whatever they want. But when those statements on vocation and marriage were brought up, I understand more the vision that God has for the love between married couples. I remember a quote that said, if a love is weak and untrue, it is like a candle flame, the wind blows away. But a strong, chaste, and true love, is like a brushfire, that the winds spread into a great and mighty flame! Such is a love we are made for.
January 18, 2009
Can be read in a single sitting but not fully taken in for years. Good for a Confirmation or graduation gift book. I got it for a quick reference to Pope Benedict's XVI's thoughts on key concepts. It would also be excellent for Adoration and inspiration for prayer or meditation.
July 23, 2021
A short collection of snippets from Benedict XVI’s writing and speaking as the Pope. A nice collection of “seeds for contemplation.”
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March 10, 2022Short book
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews