Many Religions, One Covenant: Israel, the Church and the World

by Pope Benedict XVI

In  Many Religions, One Covenant , Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger spans the deep divides in modern Catholic scholarship to present a compelling biblical theology, modern in its concerns yet classical in its breadth. It is his classical mastery, his ressourcement, that enables the Cardinal to build a bridge. Cardinal Ratzinger seeks to deepen our understanding of the Bible's most fundamental principle. The covenant defines religion for Christians and Jews. We cannot discern God's design or his will if we do not meditate upon his covenant. The covenant, then, is the principle that unites the New Testament with the Old, the Scriptures with Tradition, and each of the various branches of theology with all the others. The covenant does more than bridge the gaps between these elements; it fills in the gaps, so that biblical scholarship, dogmatic theology, and magesterial authority all stand on common ground — solid ground.

Genres: Theology, Catholic, Religion, Christianity, History

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

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

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really get this book. He explains that the Last Supper is a prolongation of the Mosaic Covenant, but I never really understood why. I've read a number of his books. It wasn't bad, but it's not a book I would rush to read had I known before.

[Fr. Daniel Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the light of continued encounter between various religions and a desire to promote and understand the good things which each religion has to offer, Christianity finds itself in a difficult place. How do we affirm that Jesus Christ is the one and unique Savior of the World while also being respectful of other religions and their expressions and experiences of God?

Often this reflection leads to losing what makes Christianity so unique among religions (this is also true of other religions’ “apologists”). Ratzinger does an excellent job of explaining Christianity when stood beside so many other religions, especially the Jewish faith and Eastern religions. It’s easy (and tempting) to do a comparative religion study that lauds the good and the bad of each. Many have done so. Ratzinger does a good job of showing that often the riches of Christianity have been buried in a pile of misconceptions. Often what is good and beautiful in other religions can often also be found in Christianity when it is expressed properly and in its fullness.

Much confusion has resulted from these misconceptions and from blurring the lines between religions. Dialogue is far more productive when the lines are more clear. Rather than trying to not offend someone else by asserting something different, dialogue attempts to show propose a different perspective and seek a deeper understanding of things. Ratzinger in this book desires more powerful dialogue and so he deepens the discussion, moving away from common misconceptions and forcing everyone, no matter their perspective, to seek the roots of their belief, consider them carefully, and further understanding of God.

Ratzinger’s thoughts on this topic are insightful and allow for a deeper study of the differences and similarities of various religions. I’m better for having read this book.