Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives, 2nd ed.

by Francis Schüssler Fiorenza; John P. Galvin

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 2011

Overview

Unique among contemporary resources, the landmark Systematic Theology and its distinguished contributors present the major areas, or loci, of Roman Catholic theology in light of contemporary developments—especially the See-change since Vatican II thought, the best new historical studies of traditional doctrines and Scripture, and the diverse creative impulses that come from recent philosophy and hermeneutics, culture and praxis, and ecumenical contacts.

Comprehensive and authoritative, this new volume combines and updates both previous volumes. Incorporating into the framework nearly 20 years of fresh thought and bibliography in each area, the second edition adds revisions to key articles to take account of a diverse, fluid, and postmodern situation. Beyond that, however, the often completely recast contributions demonstrate the brilliant possibilities for contemporary systematic theology, thoroughly rooted in the tradition yet absolutely pertinent to today’s context.

With the Logos Bible Software edition of Systematic Theology, every word is essentially a link, equipping you to search the entire volume for a particular verse or topic—“eucharist” or “penance,” for example. This gives you instant access to a wealth of information on twentieth- and twenty-first-century Catholic theology.

Key Features

• Provides the systematic theology of the Catholic Church
• Highlights contemporary developments

Contents

• Systematic Theology: Task and Methods
• Faith and Revelation
• God and Trinity
  • Approaching the Christian Understanding of God
  • The Trinitarian Mystery of God: A “Theological Theology”
• Creation
• Jesus Christ
• Church
• Sin and Grace
• Communion of Saints and Mary
• Sacraments
  • Sacraments in General
  • Baptism and Confirmation
  • Eucharist
  • Sacrament and Order of Penance and Reconciliation
  • Anointing of the Sick
  • Order
  • Marriage
• Eschatology

Top Highlights

“transcendental, hermeneutical, analytical, correlation, and liberation.” (Page 26)

“Catholics in the Roman Catholic tradition were long accustomed to the definition of a sacrament as a sacred sign instituted by Christ to give grace.” (Page 464)

“Second, in this search for meaning, we experience ourselves as radically finite yet with unlimited questions” (Page 30)

“Hermeneutical theory criticizes this view on the following grounds: Such an expressive view of language and doctrine overlooks the degree to which language does not just express but also constitutes experience. Therefore, religious language is not only expressive, but also constitutive of religious experience.” (Page 33)

“Fourth, understanding of the mystery is enhanced through commentary on the symbolic meaning of rites and words. Fifth, the ineffably invisible is made visible without abolishing the difference between the two orders.” (Pages 469–470)

Contributors

• Francis Schüssler Fiorenza
• Avery Dulles
• David Tracy
• Anthony J. Godzieba
• Anne M. Clifford
• John P. Galvin
• Michael A. Fahey
• Roger Haight
• Elizabeth A. Johnson
• David N. Power
• Jeannine Hill Fletcher

Praise for the Print Edition

This is a fine introduction to the major areas in Roman Catholic systematic theology produced by a first–rate team of scholars. It should be widely used in colleges and theological schools.

—Gerald O’Collins, Gregorian University

Finally the long–awaited second edition of this vital introduction to Catholic systematic theology has appeared! This comprehensive and critical–constructive handbook, updated to reflect the most recent scholarship, is an indispensable resource for theology students, scholars, and all those with an interest in theology.

—Lieven Boeve, Dean Faculty of Theology, Research Group Theology in a Postmodern Context

I welcome this second edition of Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives and congratulate the editors for their efforts in bringing it out in a single volume. It is an excellent collection of the writings of some of the best Catholic theologians, and I strongly recommend it.

—Richard P. McBrien, University of Notre Dame

Product Details

• Title: Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives
• Editors: Francis Schüssler Fiorenza and John P. Galvin
• Edition: 2nd
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 704

About the Editors

Francis Schüssler Fiorenza is Charles Chauncey Stillman Professor of Roman Catholic Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

John P. Galvin is an associate professor of systematic theology and the chair of the Department of Theology at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.