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Congar: Journal of a Theologian 1946-1956
A series of articles by Yves Congar from 1946 to 1956. Yves Congar kept in a discontinuous way, a journal on the main events of the life of church to which he was involved in this period, either directly or indirectly. he assembled these writings which constitute a living chronicle and informs the reader about the history of intellectual life of the zCatholic Church after the Second World War. Fresh out of captivity the Congar after the War he was under suspicion and sanctions by ecclesial authorities for some of his writings. The journal details this ordeal, and is an exceptional document on the relationship between theological research and Roman magisterium at the end of the pontificate of Pius XII.
- GenresChristianity
600 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
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About the author
Yves Congar
162 books32 followersA French Dominican priest who become one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century on the topic of the Roman Catholic Church and ecumenism.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 18, 2026
Finished reading … Yves Congar: Journal of a Theologian (1946-1956) / Etienne Fouilloux (ed.) … 1 Jan. 2017
Trans: Denis Minns, from the French
ISBN: 978192523240
I read and loved Congar's “My Journal of the Council” (the second book I reviewed on GoodReads, back in 2013). I contacted Denis Minns, a favourite lecturer of mine way back when … to congratulate him on his role in the production of that book. He responded that he was working on translating earlier diaries/journals that had only been published in French at that point, i.e. the volume currently under review. I waited anxiously for the new title but only over this Christmas/New Year break have I found time to read it.
This is a heartbreaking book in the sense that it covers some very difficult years in Congar's life, and also in that in many respects it could have been written today. The persecution of theologians hasn't changed at all – the injustice of not knowing what the charges are, who complained, and that 'Rome' is judge, jury and executioner …. with the executioner having willing collaborators in bishoprics and religious houses because they fear standing up for justice in any meaningful way out of fear of 'Rome'.
Congar comes across as a man dedicated to his callings and vows as Dominican, priest and theologian. He also comes across as a fully human being who suffers much, plunges into depression/despair but bounces back, refusing to give in. He is also very human in that expletives are used, their infrequency being more effective for that. His judgements on some of those he deals with are suitably unflattering, and very loving too where that is appropriate.
For those unaware, Congar's work on ecumenism, which gives rise to most of the suffering he endures in this period, was vindicated at the Second Vatican Council.
Highly recommended … although probably only of interest to those interested in church history.
Trans: Denis Minns, from the French
ISBN: 978192523240
I read and loved Congar's “My Journal of the Council” (the second book I reviewed on GoodReads, back in 2013). I contacted Denis Minns, a favourite lecturer of mine way back when … to congratulate him on his role in the production of that book. He responded that he was working on translating earlier diaries/journals that had only been published in French at that point, i.e. the volume currently under review. I waited anxiously for the new title but only over this Christmas/New Year break have I found time to read it.
This is a heartbreaking book in the sense that it covers some very difficult years in Congar's life, and also in that in many respects it could have been written today. The persecution of theologians hasn't changed at all – the injustice of not knowing what the charges are, who complained, and that 'Rome' is judge, jury and executioner …. with the executioner having willing collaborators in bishoprics and religious houses because they fear standing up for justice in any meaningful way out of fear of 'Rome'.
Congar comes across as a man dedicated to his callings and vows as Dominican, priest and theologian. He also comes across as a fully human being who suffers much, plunges into depression/despair but bounces back, refusing to give in. He is also very human in that expletives are used, their infrequency being more effective for that. His judgements on some of those he deals with are suitably unflattering, and very loving too where that is appropriate.
For those unaware, Congar's work on ecumenism, which gives rise to most of the suffering he endures in this period, was vindicated at the Second Vatican Council.
Highly recommended … although probably only of interest to those interested in church history.
Displaying 1 of 1 review