Benedict XVI: The Man Who Was Ratzinger
In 40 years as a theologian, Joseph Ratzinger laid down a paper trail long enough for a Supreme Court's worth of judicial nominees. There is much, then, from which to prognosticate about what, as Pope Benedict XVI, he will do. Rose bases his forecasting in Ratzinger's strong advocacy of traditional Catholic doctrine. Benedict will strive to revive Christianity in Europe, maintain interfaith dialogue, confront militant Islam, fight moral relativism, curtail clerical sex abuse, minister to homosexuals, discipline maverick theologians, restore the liturgy, and reduce bureaucracy--but always as guided by traditional doctrine. To be otherwise guided--say, by the spirit of the age that normalizes homosexuality--is to be unchristian. It should go without saying that Benedict's authority will be merciful and forgiving, but hyperbolic and disingenuous carpers have obscured the patience and kindness Ratzinger showed as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Rose scrubs the mud off Ratzinger's reputation as he literately, carefully, and persuasively argues that Benedict XVI will be "of tremendous significance."Ray OlsonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved