Catholic Theology and Dogma Collection -- Hoping to Gather More Interest...
Hi All,
I don't know if you've seen the Catholic Theology and Dogma Collection, which has been gathering interest for some time.
This eight-volume set contains some great resources -- even if you are not Roman Catholic -- and especially for church history and systematic theology types. For example, the Ott volume has a lot of apostolic, early church, and conciliar citations and quotes (many in Latin) that are difficult to find elsewhere. The Denziger volume is a classic, and it contains many conciliar sources beyond what is available in the final volume of the Early Church Fathers NPNF 2 series. And the original source materials for the Council of Trent and Vatican I are very useful for those interested in reformation studies and 19th century church history.
Anyway, I think this collection has some real hidden treasures, so I thought I'd lift it up in the forums to see if it might gather more interest so that it might proceed into production fairly soon. [:)]
Finally, perhaps Logos might consider renaming the set to reflect its broader ecumenical appeal (e.g., Catholic Early Church, Medieval, and Post-Tridentine Theology Collection), linking it to the church history and theology product guides, and/or highlighting it on its blog.
Blessings,
Patrick
The Rev. Patrick S. Cheng, J.D., Ph.D. | Theologian in Residence (as of 9/8/19) | Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue | New York City
Comments
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I've been on board since 1/2/2010. Looks like a great resource.
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I have been on board for a long time too. It's not that far away!
A few other points of why I am interested in this collection:
Catechism of the Council of Trent was the definitive teaching by the Catholic Church until superseded by the Catechism written in about 1990 under John Paul II. It is of historical significance because it was written to clarify Catholic Church teaching as a result of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, so it presents a clear perspective on how the Catholic Church felt its doctrine differed from the reformers (as Christian doctrine in which there was not real dispute was not discussed in as much detail).
Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma is the source used by many to find out where Catholic Church teaching came from - do they consider a point revealed truth, logical deduction from revealed truth, etc. etc. along with the source document of where it was proclaimed, and/or why (for example scriptural references). Denzinger's book is similar and also excellent. Many people confuse, for example, things that the Church teaches which are a discipline (like marriage of priests) to divinely revealed (Trinity), judging them to all be the same, when some can change over time and others cannot. For example, there was a big thing in the press about 2 years ago that the Catholic Church "reversed its teaching on Limbo", when in fact looking at an informed source would have revealed that this was never more than what is called "theological speculation", and not a teaching at all. Yet to read Newsweek you would think they had added a fourth person to the Trinity. [;)]
Vatican II was a significant Council that has and continues to be implemented inside the Catholic Church. The writings are really beautiful, many of which came with contribution from many Christian faiths. The writings encouraged more lay participation, Mass in the vernacular, clarification of some teachings considered a hindrance to ecumenical cooperation and more. This was an "Ecumenical" council, meaning non-Catholic theologians contributed to the writings.
All of these books are heavily sourced in scripture, again giving a wonderful source for why the Catholic Church believes what it does. I too think it's a relevant prepub for everyone, as there is quite a bit of detail and source information, which will both explain, challenge, and of course reaffirm to people of all Christian faiths what they believe. I think it's just nice to be able to reference specifically what someone believes, as there is so much FUD in the world it's hard to get the correct story...
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Dominick Sela said:
Catechism of the Council of Trent was the definitive teaching by the Catholic Church until superseded by the Catechism written in about 1990 under John Paul II.
I would like to clarify this statement as it is often misunderstood. Catechisms are essentially doctrinal manuals to assist the teachers of religious doctrine. It includes everything from revealed truth to theological speculation - with, of course, a strong bias to those things most universally held. However, it also must provide a cohesive, teachable set of doctrines which means that it also speaks to more speculative areas when necessary. My point: remember that it is intended to be a definitive teaching aid not a definitive statement of systematic theology.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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How about helping to push this one into production? It's just a tiny tiny bit left now!
Mac Pro (late 2013) OS 12.6.2
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