A new scholarly volume, The Oxford Handbook of Joseph Ratzinger, has been released, offering a comprehensive assessment of the thought of Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), one of the most influential Catholic theologians of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Edited by Tracey Rowland, member of the Academic Network of the International Ratzinger Foundation, and Francesca Aran Murphy, the Handbook brings together contributions from an international group of scholars and provides a wide-ranging examination of Ratzinger’s theological vision and legacy.
The volume traces Ratzinger’s intellectual development from his early academic work through his participation in the Second Vatican Council and his later service as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and as Pope. Across its chapters, the Handbook explores the internal coherence of his theology and his sustained engagement with central questions concerning faith, reason, revelation, and the nature of the Church.
Organized thematically and historically, the book addresses key areas of Ratzinger’s thought, including fundamental theology, Christology, ecclesiology, sacramental and liturgical theology, scriptural interpretation, theological anthropology, and moral theology. Particular attention is given to his interpretation of Vatican II, his critique of modern secular culture, and his efforts to articulate a Christ-centered response to contemporary theological and philosophical challenges.
Combining historical context with systematic analysis and critical evaluation, The Oxford Handbook of Joseph Ratzinger is intended both as an authoritative reference work and as a point of entry for readers seeking to understand the significance of Ratzinger’s contribution to modern theology. Its publication reflects the continuing scholarly interest in his work and its ongoing relevance for contemporary theological debate.
For more information, see: https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61754