1st Edition

Pope Benedict XVI and the Politics of Modernity

Edited By Marc D. Guerra Copyright 2014

    In Benedict XVI and the Politics of Modernity, distinguished scholars from North America and Europe examine Pope Benedict XVI’s searching reflections on the challenges and prospects facing modern Western society. For more than five decades, Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI has made the subject of the continued health and vitality of Western civilization a focal point of his reflections. From his early (1968) Introduction to Christianity to his later (2005) Values in a Time of Upheaval, the Pope has argued that the preservation of the social, political, scientific, and spiritual way of life that characterizes modern Western societies hinges upon our rediscovery of the unique roots and distinctive nature of Western civilization.

    Focusing on Pope Benedict XVI’s nuanced account as to why the modern West cannot currently afford to forget or neglect its premodern Hellenic and Christian roots, this book will interest religious and nonreligious people who are concerned about the future of democracy and religion in contemporary Western societies.

    This book was based on a special issue of Perpsectives on Political Science.

    1. Introduction  Marc D. Guerra (Ave Maria University)

    2. Technology and Freedom: Pope Benedict XVI on Faith, Reason, and Politics  Patrick N. Cain (Lakehead University, Canada)

    3. Benedict XVI on Liberal Modernity’s Need for the "Theological Virtues" of Faith, Hope, and Charity  Rachel A. Amiri and Mary M. Keys (University of Notre Dame)

    4. Alternative Foundations: A dialogue with Modernity and the Papacy of Benedict XVI  Angela C. Miceli (Louisiana State University)

    5. On the Curious Discipline of Political Philosophy  James V. Schall, S.J. (Georgetown University)

    6. Charity and Its Order  Philippe Beneton (University of Rennes, France) NEW

    7. Ratzinger, the Science of Theology, and Evidence for the Personal Logos these Days  Peter Augustine Lawler (Berry College) NEW

    Biography

    MarcD. Guerra