Pope Francis has called for a church of and for the poor and has sought to reclaim the collegial vision of the Second Vatican Council. This book calls on ten distinguished theologians to explore the ecclesial vision of the first pope from the global South. Francis sees the church as the holy; people of God. This is the church that enjoys in the Spirit what he calls infallibility in believing (infallibilitas in credendo): We should not even thinkthat thinking with the church means only thinking with the hierarchy of the church. Starting with an examination of how Francis papacy both advances the themes of his predecessors and represents genuinely new developments; this volume considers his concern for a fresh reception of Vatican II; his efforts to move the church toward the periphery and accompany those who live on the margins of church and society. The pope seeks to shape a dialogical church that listens. Key chapters also explore the tension between the church universal and local churches; Francis understanding of the importance of popular religion; and his particular vision of social justice.
#726676 in Books 1997-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x 2.10 x 5.80l; 2.52 #File Name: 0809104849912 pages
Review
48 of 48 people found the following review helpful. Cassian Unsung HeroBy Theophan EdwardsJohn Cassian; THE CONFERENCES; Boniface Ramsey Translator. Ancient Christian Writers; No. 57. Newman Press; New York N.Y.; 1997.I remember the first time I discovered the writings of St. John Cassian with the freshness as if it were only yesterday. About 15 years ago I was almost done reading through the Ante-Nicene; Nicene; and Post-Nicene Fathers. St. Cyprian had my affection more than any of the other up to this point; then I began reading Cassian in series 3; volume 11 and discovered what I had been searching for. I have been reading the conferences once per year ever since as well as other times preparing for lectures on the conferences and Institutes.Each time I read the conferences I fall in love with them all over again. I wish I could read them everyday all year long; but that would preclude me from reading anything else; since the Conferences are about 800 pages in this most recent for the first time in English complete publication.Ramsay does an excellent translation into modern English. He keeps the flow while remaining true to the text as well as consistently translating particular technical words. Cassian was/is that living bridge between early Egyptian monasticism and that of Southern Gaul; Britain and Ireland. He and his friend Germanus spent about 14 years in Egypt interviewing and training under the most holy; and aged elders. From the abundance of wisdom; He chose to reproduce 24 of the conferences in order to help establish the "best kind of monasticism" in the west. Each conference focus' on a topic necessary to gain "Theoria;" or divine contemplation through purity and integrity: in other words; through dispassion acquiring stillness and union with God. Cassian's works are profoundly clear and applicable to just about any situation we may find ourselves in. He writes of setting spiritual goals and objectives; discerning spirits; Biblical interpretation; prayer; patience; the 8 progenitor vices and their opposite virtues; of repentance and mortification of the will.Not only does Cassian interview such spiritual giants as Paphnutius; Pinufius; Moses; Abraham and others we come across in other sources; but he quotes these elders quoting and sharing stories of their elders - the 1st century Elders such as Antony! Unlike other works of a similar content; Cassian purposely keeps narratives of miracles to a minimum. His primary interest was communicating the teachings of the Elders which serve for example of daily living; rather than wowing his audience with signs and wonders. That said; there is no lack of the supernatural; but only when necessary to drive home a point. He was a strong advocate of "Apostolic brevity."Cassian is one of the unsung heroes of the faith. His influence; in my opinion is close to; or equals in some respects the blessed Augustine in the West and St. John of the Ladder in the East. Climacus gives due honor to Cassian in his Ladder and Cassian was the first to organize monasticism in the West and his works are found throughout the ancient Celtic Church; which; in turn; re-evangelized Europe after the fall of Rome. This is a long review; I know; but well-worth the read; if I encourage even one person to read even just the first Conference - for then you will be hooked.Theophan.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A worthwhile read if you have the patience and diligenceBy JeremiahThis book was a big project to tackle for me; coming in at nearly 850 pages (not including all of the glossaries; etc in the back). It took a few months; but I managed to get through it. The spiritual insights were invaluable; and I learned many important lessons. I wouldn't place at the top of a general "must read" list due to its length and austerity that it presents as the norm; but for those who have read through the Sayings of the Desert Fathers and want to dig deeper into the heart of early desert spirituality; I would definitely recommend this.76 of 77 people found the following review helpful. Must read for all ChristiansBy Patrick OThis is the complete text of all 24 of John Cassian's Conferences; some of which are translated for the very first time. This text could be; and indeed was; considered the advanced text on living the Christian life. While the stories of the desert fathers may sound daunting; their thoughts; as transmitted (and certainly adapted) by John Cassian are surprisingly honest; refreshing; and inspirational. These were people who truly sought; and knew God. As Cassian writes in the preface; we can criticize them as being too extreme; but the evidence of their lives testifies on their behalf. Virtually every aspect of life is covered here in some way; as Cassian relates his "conferences" with various monks in the deserts of Egypt. This book is so refreshing and stirring; especially given the "junk food" spirituality that most modern Christian publishers pump out. This way is not simple or quick; but it does point to a fuller life. All those who say they follow Christ should give this a read.(...)
