The Papal Encyclicals: 1740–1878
Overview
For nearly 2,000 years the bishops of Rome have addressed theological topics of especially timely concern through the circulation of papal letters. These letters became known as encyclicals, and since the later eighteenth century have become increasingly important in the popes’ exercise of their teaching office. In the mid-nineteenth century, the encyclical letter began to take on its contemporary form as a theological treatise applying Christian teaching to immediate circumstances. And in the twentieth century papal encyclicals have emerged as some of the most important theology produced worldwide. The Papal Encyclicals: 1740–1981 (5 vols.) presents 280 encyclicals in English from Benedict XIV to John Paul II. These letters approach matters of faith and morals, and answer important questions on dogmatics and social and ethical issues of the society during the time they were composed. Whether a student, scholar, or layperson, this collection is essential for studying and searching the papal teaching of the past 250 years.
Top Highlights
“There are, of course, those who are struggling with invincible ignorance about our most holy religion. Sincerely observing the natural law and its precepts inscribed by God on all hearts and ready to obey God, they live honest lives and are able to attain eternal life by the efficacious virtue of divine light and grace. Because God knows, searches and clearly understands the minds, hearts, thoughts, and nature of all, his supreme kindness and clemency do not permit anyone at all who is not guilty of deliberate sin to suffer eternal punishments.” (Page 370)
“ENCYCLICAL OF POPE GREGORY XVI ON LIBERALISM AND RELIGIOUS INDIFFERENTISM” (Page 235)
“‘liberty of conscience and worship is each man’s personal right, which ought to be legally proclaimed and asserted in every rightly constituted society; and that a right resides in the citizens to an absolute liberty, which should be restrained by no authority whether ecclesiastical or civil, whereby they may be able openly and publicly to manifest and declare any of their ideas whatever, either by word of mouth, by the press, or in any other way.’” (Page 382)
“Oriental Church is composed of four rites—Greek, Armenian, Syriac, and Coptic; all these rites are referred to by the single name of the Greek or Oriental Church, just as the name of the Latin or Roman Church signifies the Roman, Ambrosian, and Mozarabic rites, as well as the special rites of different Regular Orders.” (Page 52)
“Bible Societies which have long since been condemned by this Holy See,7 they distribute to the faithful under the pretext of religion, the holy bible in vernacular translations. Since these infringe the Church’s rules,8 they are consequently subverted and most daringly twisted to yield a vile meaning.” (Page 298)
- Title: The Papal Encyclicals: 1740–1878
- Author: Claudia Carlen
- Series: The Papal Encyclicals
- Publisher: Pierian Press
- Print Publication Date: 1990
- Logos Release Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Catholic Church › Doctrines; Encyclicals, Papal
- Resource ID: LLS:PAPENCY1740
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:34:48Z