The Sacrament Of The Future

The Sacrament of the Future is a contemporary examination of the theory and praxis of sacraments undertaken in the belief that a renewed understanding of them will shape the survival of the faith in the changed circumstances of the twenty-first century. This new perspective is the eschatological character of the sacraments: by retaining the tension between time and eternity in our present life, sacraments anticipate the future fulfilment of salvation in heaven. The association of the two classical treatises of Sacramental Theology and the doctrine of Last Things will alter our approach not only to the sacraments, but also to other important tenets of Christian theology. This book is the result of half a lifetime's work in presenting and critically analysing Karl Rahner's theological thought. Professor George Vass has not confined himself to the detailed exposition of the thought of his predecessor but, through a critical analysis of his views, tries to enter into dialogue with him. Professor Vass, Fellow of Heythrop College, University of London, and for twenty years holder of Karl Rahner's chair at the University of Innsbruck, entered the Society of Jesus in 1946, and obtained his qualifications in Philosophy and Theology at various European universities. He taught at Heythrop College, Oxon, and the University of London, before his call to the University of Innsbruck in 1976. In 1996 he became Professor Emeritus of the chair of Dogmatic and Ecumenical Theology. Since then he has been Parish Priest within the diocese of Tyrol, Austria.

Calls for a change in attitude toward, and a renewal in, understanding the use of the sacrament of penance

The author discusses the theology of the sacrament of Reconciliation that emanated from the reformed rites that were promulgated after Vatican II. He treats the public nature of sin and forgiveness and shows that the Church has always been concerned to continue Christ's reconciling ministry in a public and sacramental way. Further, he treats the constitutive "parts" of the developed sacrament and analyzes the sacramental forms of reconciliation as well as the non-sacramental form in a way that reveals their complementarity. He concludes by suggesting some possibilities for the development of the sacrament.

Since the Second Vatican Council, the liturgy has become the source of conflicting opinions. This situation has given rise to disputes that continue to divide those who practice their faith. But what has created this state of affairs? Author Denis Crouan shows how the decisions made by Vatican II that aimed at restoring the Roman rite were presented poorly, applied incorrectly, and often not applied at all. In many places the Mass has been turned into a permanent work-in-progress, in which the objectivity of the liturgy yields to the subjectivity of those who take part in it. Where does the current unwillingness to apply the liturgical rules come from? Why have the directives of the last council been ignored or circumvented? This book offers answers to the questions asked by Catholics who want to understand their liturgy better, so as to put an end to deviant practices that threaten Church unity.

One hundred years after the Azusa Street Revival stunned Los Angeles and changed Western Christianity, Pentecostalism has become the fastest growing religious movement in the world. However, many Pentecostal denominations in the United States are in a slow decline. Will Pentecostalism survive in North America in the twenty-first century? If so, what forms will it take? The Future of Pentecostalism in the United States brings together leading scholars of charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity to discuss and forecast these issues. The book looks at American Pentecostalism from a variety of disciplinary perspectives including sociology, theology, history, and the arts. The book also considers various traditions and sub-movements within U.S. Pentecostalism, such as African American Pentecostal and charismatic Latino churches, urban postmodern charismatic congregations, and the role of Pentecostal institutions of higher education.

Making full use of the new Code of Canon Law, recent conciliar documents, and pertinent ecclesiastical directives, this work brings together into one handy volume a wealth of information along with authorized norms whereby priests and aspirants to the ministry may be safely guided in the lawful and reverential celebration of the sacraments. The author is a recognized expert in the area of pastoral theology and canon law and, as such, brings to this book the qualifications which promise to make it a standard reference work in its field.

The Past, Present and Future of Theology of Interreligious Dialogue brings together several of the most widely regarded specialists who have contributed to theological reflection on religious diversity and interreligious encounter. The chapters are united by the consistent theme of the obligation to engage with the challenges that emerge from the tension between the doctrinal tradition(s) of Christianity and the need to reconsider them in light of and in response to the fact of religious otherness. As a whole, these reflections are motivated by the desire to bring together a significant selection of different theological approaches that have been developed and appropriated in order to engage with religious difference in the past and present, as well as to suggest possibilities for the future. This confluence of perspectives reveals the complexity of theological reflection on religious diversity, and gives some indication of future challenges that must be acknowledged, and perhaps successfully met, in the ongoing attempt to address a universal reality in light of traditional doctrinal particularities and cultural concerns.

The book covers the fundamentals of human life and the family, as well as issues pertaining to the social and human sciences, seen in the light of Christian values. Christianity has something great and precious to offer everyone, both Christians and non-Christians alike. This, we must recover and discover anew, and make known through a new evangelization. The words of the Prayer of Our Father contain the blueprint for our life and survival: the knowledge and beauty not only of being human, but of the family, and of the way of living in society. This is definitely a new and different book, teaching about the meaning and the sense of life; a precious tool for the formation and pastoral care of young people and families towards a rediscovery of Faith and of the dignity of human life. Translations into another 9 languages for forthcoming publication.