Theology of Benedict XVI

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Dempsey1919

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I love our Pope and I pray that he has a long and successful papacy.

I don’t know much about him. I know the details of his life but I don’t know much about his views or beliefs. He is obviously a very faithful Catholic but I want to know more about his teachings.

I’ve read that he was one of the liberals of Vatican II and that his early writings were very progressive. However, this seems odd given the fact that he was called “God’s Rottweiler” for his orthodoxy and conservatism.

Can anyone tell me about his theology? Is he still a progressive? Is he a conservative? Could he be labelled a traditionalist?

I would think that he is in favour of tradition because of the Summorum Pontificum but I’m not sure. I would like to know more about his teachings.

Also, what direction do you think the Church will take under his guidance?
 
During Vatican II he was part of the “Rhine group”, a liberal peritus who wore a suit and tie-- but it’s more complicated than that. Benedict was uncmfortable with Liberal excesses and preaches a hermeneutic of continuity. He was uneasy about the suppression of the old rite, hence the recent MP. I think he’s going to shock the world and reconcile with SSPX, and many are praying for this.
 
I suggest reading some books of Benedict’s. Jesus of Nazereth, Spirit of the Liturgy, Introduction to Christianity ( I have been told this describes alot of his views though I have never read it personally).
 
^In your list, I would include “God Is Near Us”.

His books are amazing. Do yourself a favor and read them.

Peace and God bless!😃
 
From what I have read he seems to have followed a similar (but not as radical) path as Bl. Pius IX. Pius IX, was the “liberal” candidate when he was elected and his papacy began with liberal reforms in the papal states. However, when he got burned by the liberals who when given an inch, forcefully took a few miles, he became one of the most “conservative” popes ever.

Benedict seems to have been part of the “new theology” group of theologians (which divided into two groups after the Council, those that clung to orthodoxy and those that spun out of control) until the distortions of the post-concilliar period and the riots at the university where he taught. After that, we see him more as the theologian he was when prefect for the CDF.
 
God works through humans, and works especially through His vicar; no matter what Benedict’s views were prior to his ascendency to the papacy, the Holy Spirit will actively take over and preserve him from making theological errors of any kind. Which often means, to the world, he will seem “conservative” or “old fashioned” (if it was right once, it will always be right).
 
Formosus said:
I suggest reading some books of Benedict’s. Jesus of Nazereth, Spirit of the Liturgy, Introduction to Christianity ( I have been told this describes alot of his views though I have never read it personally).
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Is Spirit of the Liturgy or God Is Near Us (I understand that those two books are the Pope’s books on the liturgy) easier? In other words, I’m not able to wade thru some of this wonderful man’s theological exposes but am really wanting to read his views on the liturgy (I loved his interview books!).
 
Yeah, I’d agree with others: read his books. Also, if you like try something like Moynihan’s Let God’s Light Shine Forth: The Spiritual Vision of Pope Benedict XVI–I really enjoyed it.

To be honest I think he is conservative, yet progressive, with amazing insight and clarity of mind. We have now, so to speak, the “best of both worlds”, in our current Holy Father. Long may his Pontificate be! 👍
 
Benedict has changed a great deal since the 60’s. I wouldn’t worry about it at all. As long as he puts liberals on edge, we’re in good hands.
 
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