Gavin D'Costa

Faydra Shapiro

H. B. Pierbattista Pizzaballa

After Vatican II, the Roman Catholic Church began a process of stripping away anti-Jewish sentiments within its theological culture. One question that has arisen and received very scant attention regards the theological significance of the founding of the state of Israel in 1948 – and the attendant nakba, the plight of the Palestinian people. Some American evangelical Christians have developed a theology around the state of Israel, associating themselves with Zionism. Some Christian groups have developed a theology around the suffering of the Palestinian people and demand resistance to Zionism. This unique collection of essays from leading Catholic theologians from the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, England, and the Middle East reflect on the theological status of the land of Israel. These essays represent an exhaustive range of views. None avoid the new Catholic theology regarding the Jewish people. Some contributors see this as leading towards a positive theological affirmation of the state of Israel, while distancing themselves from Christian Zionists. All contributors are committed to rights of the Palestinian people. Some affirm the need for strong diplomatic and political support for Israel along with equal support for Palestinians, arguing that this is as far as the Church can go. Others argue that the Church’s emerging theology represents the guilt conscience of Europe at the cost of the Palestinian people. None deny the right of Jews to live in the land. Two Jewish scholars respond to the essays creating an atmosphere of genuine interfaith dialogue which serves Catholics to think further through these issues.

Contemporary Catholic Approaches to the People, State, and Land of Israel

This imaginative study rethinks the nature of theology and its rolein universities. The author sketches out a fascinating project using examplesfrom US and UK institutions, whereby theology becomes atransformative force within universities. Imagines what a Christian university, in which all disciplineshave been theologized, would look like. Feeds into discussions about the religious identity ofdenominationally-linked colleges and universities. Forms part of a wider attempt to imagine a vital public rolefor theology that enables it to serve both the Church and the widercommunity.

Church, Academy, and Nation

Theology in the Public Square

An introduction to the World's major religions from a Catholic Perspective.

A Theological and Phenomenological Account

The Catholic Church and the World Religions

Malcolm Evans

Tariq Modood

Julian Rivers

Leading authors in politics, law, sociology and theology discuss what the proper place of religion is in a liberal state.

Religion in a Liberal State

Karl Josef Becker

Ilaria Morali

Maurice Borrmans

Twenty-Five Element International Scholars show how roman catholic theology has grappled with religious pluralism. Catholic Engagement with World Religions outlines, clarifies, and defends official Roman Catholic teaching on the relationship between Christianity and other religious traditions in light of the Catholic belief that "We must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery".(Gaudium et Spes, 22) Part I studies the history of these issues while Part II examines their theological framing. Part III addresses Christianity and other religions since Vatican U. Part IV deals specifically with Judaism, Confucianism, Hinduism and Islam as these religions see themselves in relation to Christianity. A final chapter by Bishop Michael Fitzgerald offers a theological reflection on the foundations of interreligious dialogue today. For scholars, students, and practitioners of interreligious encounter, Catholic Engagement with World Religions is necessary and absorbing reading. Karl J. Becker, S.J., and Ilaria Morali teach at the Gregorian University in Rome.

A Comprehensive Study

Catholic Engagement with World Religions

Daniel Strange

Paul Knitter

An introductory textbook on Christian approaches to other world faiths.

Three Christian Responses to the Uniqueness of Christ in a Religiously Pluralist World

Only One Way?

In this timely study Gavin D'Costa explores Roman Catholic doctrines after the Second Vatican Council regarding the Jewish people (1965 - 2015). It establishes the emergence of the teaching that God's covenant with the Jewish people is irrevocable. What does this mean for Catholics regarding Jewish religious rituals, the land, and mission? Catholic Doctrines on the Jewish People after Vatican II establishes that the Catholic Church has a new teaching about the Jewish people: the covenant made with God is irrevocable. D'Costa faces head-on three important issues arising from the new teaching. First, previous Catholic teachings seem to claim Jewish rituals are invalid. He argues this is not the case. Earlier teachings allow us positive insights into the modern question. Second, a nuanced case for Catholic minimalist Zionism is advanced, without detriment to the Palestinian cause. This is in keeping with Catholic readings of scripture and the development of the Holy See's attitude to the State of Israel. Third, the painful question of mission is explored. D'Costa shows the new approach safeguards Jewish identity and allows for the possibility of successful witness by Hebrew Catholics who retain their Jewish identity and religious life.

Catholic Doctrines on the Jewish People after Vatican II

Oliver D. Crisp

Mervyn Davies

Peter Hampson

The purpose of this volume is to offer an authoritative overview of the positive relationship between faith and reason, the latter understood as different mode of philosophy. It will also show that despite important variations and differences, the manner in which Christan faith is able to interact with other intellectual disciplines is grounded in theology and is required by theology. Finally it will ground the overall project of "Religion and the University" firmly in different ecclesial communities within the Christian family and differing theological-philosophical orientations that might be trans-denominational.

Faith and Reason

Theology and Philosophy

Eleanor Nesbitt

Ruth Shelton

Mark Pryce

Making Nothing Happen is a conversation between five poet-theologians who are broadly within the Christian tradition - Nicola Slee, Ruth Shelton, Mark Pryce, Eleanor Nesbitt and Gavin D'Costa. Together they form The Diviners - a group which has been meeting together for a number of years for poetry, and theological and literary reflection. Each poet offers an illuminating reflection on how they understand the relation between poetry and faith, rooting their reflections in their own writing, and illustrating discussion with a selection of their own poems. The poets open up issues for deeper exploration and reflection, including: the nature of creativity and the distinction between divine and human creation; the creative process as exploration, epiphany and revelation; the forging of identity through writing; ways in which the arts reflect, challenge and dialogue with faith, and faith can inform and challenge the arts; power and voice in poetry and faith; and ways in which race, gender and culture interact with and shape poetic and theological discourse. This book will be of interest to poets and theologians, to all who read poetry and are interested in the connections between literature and faith, to those seeking inspiration for preaching, liturgy and pastoral care, and to those committed to the practice and nurturing of a contemplative attitude to life in which profound attention and respect are offered to words and to the creative Word at work.

Gavin D'Costa

Books

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