Dios y el Mundo. Una conversación con Peter Seewald

by Pope Benedict XVI, Peter Seewald (entrevistador), Rosa Pilar Blanco (Translator)

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger is the Prefect of the Vatican Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith. He is a highly regarded theologian who
has been a university professor and the author of numerous
theological works as well as a leading theologian at the Second
Vatican Council. Peter Seewald is a German journalist who has been a
staff writer for two of Germany s top weekly magazines as well as for
one of the country s most respected newspapers.

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian, Spirituality

441 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Originally 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...)

Reviews

[Gunter Weltschmerz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best introduction to the thought and beliefs of our current pope. What emerges from the interview is a man much different than what is portrayed in the popular media or by the Catholic Left. The interviewer is rather diffident in his own beliefs, which reveals more of then Cardinal Ratzinger's mind and heart than what we sometimes get from "party-line" interviewers.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The breadth is impressive. Ratzinger/Benedict is generally straightforward and down-to-earth in his explanations and conjectures. Unlike John Paul II, he does not use an unnecessarily complex word on every line.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book-length conversation between Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (former, though not by this stage, Pope of the Vatican and worldwide Catholic Church) is a must-read for those who desire a comprehensive examination of the faith and its pillars. Much like the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this book covers many - though not quite all - questions any reflective Catholic is likely to ask themselves at some point in their lives. While this is not as broadly encompassing as the Catechism, with subjects like Islam and, to a lesser extent, sin given little more than a cursory glance, Ratzinger still provides some absolutely wonderful insights regarding a whole range of important concepts. Peter Seewald, though in his defence not always, does ask some pretty lame and patronising questions that are not befitting a man of Ratzinger's theological calibre, but, nevertheless, even the weaker questions are usually carried onto a higher level of consideration.

This book, though of significant length, is surprisingly easy to power through, and carries within it much value. I came close to giving it five stars, but I guess, with the understandable intention to make it more accessible, some elements had to be dumbed down by Seewald, and some of the graver areas of the Christian faith were only approached tentatively though still with reverence and wisdom, even if of the human kind.

A beautiful book and well worth reading.

[Mlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ben dit gaan lezen, nadat ik in Rome was geweest. Op de vragen die ik daar had heb ik eigenlijk niet echt een antwoord gekregen (wel een beetje, maar.. :) ik geloof dat ik gewoon niet zo katholiek ben.), op veel andere vragen wel. Omdat het in interviewvorm is, is het heel geschikt om telkens een stukje uit te lezen. Tegelijkertijd blijft het daardoor ook niet zo goed hangen doordat er niet echt samenhang is. Heb er soms hele stukken uit overgeschreven (omdat 't zo wijs was), andere gedeeltes boeiden weer minder. Conclusie van het boek: voor elke vraag bestaat een antwoord.

[Leonardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy bueno, como tener la posibilidad de charlar y hacerle preguntas a Joseph.
Le pondría en realidad 4.5 estrellas, pero bueno...

Algunas anecdotas de la historia de la Iglesia que tira Benedicto son muy buenas,
la de San Lorenzo por ejemplo. También me gustó la sinceridad con la que responde
por ejemplo cuando se le pregunta por el uso del latin que dice que lo extraña un poco,
o cuando comenta porque es donante de organos.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought St John Paul II was very readable (Love and Responsibility) but Pope Benedict XVI even more so. There were a few surprises here, like the fact that he's an organ donor. I also love the clarity and simplicity with which he approaches complicated questions about life, faith, tradition, modernity, ecumenism, the future of the Church. I feel a lot closer to him as my father after finishing this book.

[Sister Florence · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is questions by Peter Seewald to Cardinal Ratzinger now Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope's answers are a surprise. Benedict is more open to the world than most people believe. So far I am learning that the Pope deals with very important topics and that while he gives an answer heleaves room for discussion

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Then Cardinal Ratzinger talks about God, Jesus Christ and the Church, the three sections of the book. He brings a depth of knowledge about history and holy people that combines with his life-long following of the Holy Spirit. I found the reading informative and at times it deepened my sense of faith. All Christians can find something here to help them.

[Stephen Fahrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book-length interview given to journalist Peter Seewald by Joseph Ratzinger in 2000, five years prior to his election to the papacy. It's a good way to get a sense of Benedict's way of thinking about, well, God and the world.

[Amicizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book-length interview given to journalist Peter Seewald by Joseph Ratzinger in 2000, five years prior to his election to the papacy. It's a good way to get a sense of Benedict's way of thinking about, well, God and the world.

[BurgendyA · Rating 4 out of 5]

God and the World was a pretty good and interesting book. Mostly an interview with the former Pope Benedict- was a Cardinal. I admit that it’s along read but has his opinions and thoughts of the Roman Catholic faith. =)~

[Elizabeth Scalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite interview with Pope Benedict XVI

[Roger Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wide-ranging interview about the state of the world and the Church - which would impress for its profound breadth and depth no matter who the author was.

http://corjesusacratissimum.org

[Ivan Pašalić · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting insight into pope Benedict's thoughts, especially because of anticipation of some of the things he did in his pontificate and for a better understanding of his intelect. A good read.

[Biblioteca de evocaciones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desde que abrí las páginas de este libro, supe que me embarcaría en una exploración profunda de la teología y la existencia. Me atrajo su capacidad para abordar cuestiones complejas con una claridad sorprendente. No solo lo leí, lo medité. Cada capítulo es una invitación a reflexionar sobre la relación entre Dios y la humanidad, explorando temas que van desde la creación hasta el sentido de la vida.
Ratzinger tiene una prosa clara y accesible, que permite detenerse en cada idea y analizarla. Me encontré conectando con sus pensamientos, especialmente en los momentos en que aborda la duda y la búsqueda de significado, resonando con preguntas que todos enfrentamos. Además, su perspectiva sobre la cultura contemporánea enriquece mis ideas y me permitió crecer como persona al entender cómo siente y piensa una persona con creencias diferentes a las mías.
El libro no solo es una exposición de ideas teológicas, sino también una guía para quienes buscan entender mejor estos conceptos en un mundo cada vez más complejo. Es una obra que ofrece un diálogo abierto y sincero sobre los desafíos de la vida moderna.
Sin duda, es un texto que vale la pena tener a mano para aquellos que deseen explorar la relación entre Dios y el mundo de manera profunda y enriquecedora, aunque no pienses igual que el autor. Lo recomendaría especialmente a quienes estén interesados en la teología contemporánea, en conocer el pensamiento de Ratzinger—uno de los principales teólogos de su tiempo, cuyo pensamiento ha sido terriblemente tergiversado por los medios durante su papado—o en ampliar su comprensión sobre estos temas.

[Filip · Rating 5 out of 5]

God and the World is one book in a series of books, or bether series of interviews that journalist Peter Seewald conducted with the late pope Benedict XVI. In in Ratzinger is talking about many topics, but most of them are state of the Catholic Church in 21. century problems and oportunities. Once more it shows how Ratzinger was greates modern theologians and his message is delivered in simple and direct way so laity can understand him, no small tanks to Seewald who is great interviewer.
Thank you for everything pope Ratzinger, you are missed very much. You served God your whole life my He grant you peace.

[Geo Forman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made for a good way to start each day, a short reading of a topic, a give and take between Seewald and then Cardinal Ratzinger. I liked the topics in this better than those discussed in Salt of the Earth. While some questions were answered with equivocation, which were rather unsatisfactory, the vast majority of responses were thoughtful and enlightening.

[FR ADRIAN G HEAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

A look at the Catholic Church in depth by a brilliant mind and by someone deep in the centre of the Church’s life, Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI.

[Alexander Bacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sehr guter Einstieg für ein solides Grundverständnis der katholischen Lehre. Wer nach theologischer Tiefe sucht, ist hier nicht bedient, jedoch sollte man das Buch einem Katholizismus-Neuling empfehlen, da es oberflächlich Themen aus säkularer Perspektive verständlich erklärt.

[Jimena Casillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the Church?

[Trường Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benedict XVI is one of most scholary Prince of the Church. Therefore, Pope explained important faith problems by perspicuous method.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great set of reflections from Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI. Slowly working my way through his published writings and interviews in English.

[Mariano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Segundo libro de diálogo s entre el cardenal Ratzinger y el periodista Peter Seewald, en el año 2000. Repasan muchos temas de actualidad.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learnt more about Catholic doctrine through this book (esp in the first half). Highly recommended!

[Lana Pavlaković]

Too many narrow views on human nature and human dignity.

[Brother Gregory Rice, SOLT · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ongoing retreat in itself. Past enjoyable. Conversational time with a master, his inner perspective comes through with clarity.

[ann.livre]

do trochę ponad połowy

[DMF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Con este libro pude volverme a acercar a mi fe de una manera seria y libre. Uno de sus grandes aciertos es que es pregunta y respuesta, por lo que es muy ordenado y permite profundizar en un amplio número de temas muy actuales y trascendentes para el ser humano.
Benedicto XVI tiene una precisión al escribir impresionante.