Gerald O'Collins – författare

Despite a long history of external threats and internal strife, the Roman Catholic Church remains a vast and influential presence in our modern world. But what were its origins, and how has it changed and adapted over the centuries? After Pope Benedict XVI dramatically resigned in early 2013 (the first Pope to resign since the fifteenth century), and Pope Francis was elected, many wondered what direction he would lead the Church in, and whether the Church could modernise in the face of the demands of our world.In this Very Short Introduction, Gerald O'Collins covers the history of the Catholic Church, and considers some of the key issues facing Catholicism today, such as the catastrophic revelations about clerical child abuse, the impact of the growth of Islam, and the destruction in the Middle East of ancient Christian church communities. He also shows how Catholics are being increasingly challenged by an opposition between their traditional Christian values and rights which are endorsed by the secular world, such as the right to physician assisted suicide or same-sex marriage, and considers the future for the largest and oldest institution in the world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Since the late 1980s the theme of God''s self-revelation has been treated only briefly in Christian theology, at times simply ignored, and often confused with biblical inspiration. Revelation: Towards a Christian Theology of God''s Self-Revelation lays out its basic characteristics, and begins by distinguishing between revelation in the primary sense (a living encounter with God''s self-disclosure) and in the secondary sense (statements of faith derived fromthat encounter, or ''propositional'' revelation). It considers revelation as transforming and informing, as being ''sacramental'' or mediated through words and deeds, as communicated through an endless variety of means and mediators, as related to but distinct from biblical inspiration and truth, and as reachingthose of ''other'' faiths or of no faith at all.Gerald O''Collins skilfully distinguishes between past (or ''foundational'') revelation, present (or ''dependent'') revelation, and future (or ''eschatological'') revelation. He expounds with ecumenical sensitivity the complex relationship between tradition and scripture. O''Collins moves into controversial areas by insisting that the divine self- revelation takes place only when received by human faith and that ''outside revelation there is no salvation (extra revelationem nulla salus''). This volumeoffers a coherent account of God''s self-revelation, which can serve as a basis for all that follows in theology and for dialogue with those who follow ''other'' living faiths or none at all. O''Collins extends and enriches what he has proposed in earlier books and articles about the characteristics ofGod''s self-revelation.

Since the late 1980s the theme of God''s self-revelation has been treated only briefly in Christian theology, at times simply ignored, and often confused with biblical inspiration. Revelation: Towards a Christian Theology of God''s Self-Revelation lays out its basic characteristics, and begins by distinguishing between revelation in the primary sense (a living encounter with God''s self-disclosure) and in the secondary sense (statements of faith derived fromthat encounter, or ''propositional'' revelation). It considers revelation as transforming and informing, as being ''sacramental'' or mediated through words and deeds, as communicated through an endless variety of means and mediators, as related to but distinct from biblical inspiration and truth, and as reachingthose of ''other'' faiths or of no faith at all.Gerald O''Collins skilfully distinguishes between past (or ''foundational'') revelation, present (or ''dependent'') revelation, and future (or ''eschatological'') revelation. He expounds with ecumenical sensitivity the complex relationship between tradition and scripture. O''Collins moves into controversial areas by insisting that the divine self- revelation takes place only when received by human faith and that ''outside revelation there is no salvation (extra revelationem nulla salus''). This volumeoffers a coherent account of God''s self-revelation, which can serve as a basis for all that follows in theology and for dialogue with those who follow ''other'' living faiths or none at all. O''Collins extends and enriches what he has proposed in earlier books and articles about the characteristics ofGod''s self-revelation.

This collection of papers is an international, ecumenical, and interdisciplinary study of Jesus'' resurrection that emerged from the `Resurrection Summit'' meeting held in New York at Easter 1996. The contributions represent mainstream scholarship on biblical studies, fundamental theology, systematic theology, philosophy, moral theology, and homiletics, and combine to offer a timely, wide-ranging, and well-balanced work on the central truth ofChristianity.

Jesus Our Redeemer examines what it means when Christians call Jesus their ''Redeemer'' or ''Saviour''. It tackles such questions as: How can redemptive events in the past (Christ''s life, death, and resurrection) bring about saving effects in the present? Why do human beings need redemption, both individually and collectively? What images of God are implied by the saving action of God and by human needs? Gerald O''Collins SJ draws on the scriptures, Christianhymns and texts for worship, literature, the visual arts, and other sources. He examines four major models of how redemption through Christ has been thought to work: theories of deliverance, penal substitution, sacrifice, and transforming love. He concludes by considering the outworking of salvation in thelife of the Church, the situation of non-Christians, and the final consummation of human life and the created world at the end of time.

This book examines in depth and at length what the Old Testament and the New Testament hold about the salvation of God''s ''other peoples''. The Bible repeatedly witnesses to the universal scope of the divine love for all human beings and the chances of salvation that are available to them. Since the Israelites experienced for many centuries, both at home and abroad, the religion and culture of numerous other peoples, the Old Testament texts have much to say, bothpositively and negatively, about the religious prospects and destiny of these peoples. In its second half this book scrutinizes what Jesus, the evangelists, Paul and the Letter to the Hebrews indicate about God''s loving designs for all human beings. At the end, the book breaks new ground by developingthe universal presence of the risen Jesus (along with the Holy Spirit) and his role as universal Wisdom, and the full teaching of the Letter to the Hebrews on the possibility of faith for all people.

In this fully revised and updated second edition of his accessible account of systematic Christology, Gerald O''Collins continues to challenge the contemporary publishing trend for sensationalist books on Jesus that are supported neither by the New Testament witness nor by mainline Christian beliefs. This book critically examines the best biblical and historical scholarship before tackling head-on some of the key questions of systematic Christology: does orthodox faith present Jesus the man as deficient and depersonalized? Is his sinlessness compatible with the exercise of a free human will? Does up-to-date exegesis challenge his virginal conception and personal resurrection? Can one reconcile Jesus'' role as universal Saviour with the truth and values to be found in other religions? What should the feminist movement highlight in presenting Jesus? This integral Christology is built around the resurrection of the crucified Jesus, highlights love as the key to redemption, and proposes a synthesis of the divine presence through Jesus. Clear, balanced, and accessible, this book should be valued by any student reading systematic theology, anyone training for the ministry in all denominations, as well as interested general readers.

In this fully revised and updated second edition of his accessible account of systematic Christology, Gerald O''Collins continues to challenge the contemporary publishing trend for sensationalist books on Jesus that are supported neither by the New Testament witness nor by mainline Christian beliefs. This book critically examines the best biblical and historical scholarship before tackling head-on some of the key questions of systematic Christology: does orthodox faith present Jesus the man as deficient and depersonalized? Is his sinlessness compatible with the exercise of a free human will? Does up-to-date exegesis challenge his virginal conception and personal resurrection? Can one reconcile Jesus'' role as universal Saviour with the truth and values to be found in other religions? What should the feminist movement highlight in presenting Jesus? This integral Christology is built around the resurrection of the crucified Jesus, highlights love as the key to redemption, and proposes a synthesis of the divine presence through Jesus. Clear, balanced, and accessible, this book should be valued by any student reading systematic theology, anyone training for the ministry in all denominations, as well as interested general readers.

In recent years many books have been published in the area of Christology (who is Jesus in himself?) and soteriology (what did he do as Saviour?). A number of notable, ecumenical documents on Christian ministry have also appeared. But in all this literature there is surprisingly little reflection on the priesthood of Christ, from which derives all ministry, whether the priesthood of all the faithful or ministerial priesthood. This present work aims to fill that gapby examining, in the light of the Scriptures and the Christian tradition, what it means to call Christ our priest.Beginning with a study of the biblical material, the book then moves to the witness to Christ''s priesthood coming from the fathers of the Church, Thomas Aquinas, Luther and Calvin, the Council of Trent, the seventeenth-century ''French School'', John Henry Newman, Tom Torrance and the Second Vatican Council. The two concluding chapters describe and define in twelve theses the key characteristics of Christ''s priesthood and what sharing in that priesthood, through baptism and ordination,involves.

This book identifies the distinguishing features of fundamental theology, as distinct from philosophical theology, natural theology, apologetics, and other similar disciplines. Addressing the potential for confusion about basic Christian claims and beliefs, Gerald O''Collins sets out to relaunch fundamental theology as a discipline by presenting a coherent vision of basic theological questions and positions that lay the ground for work in specific areas of systematic theology. Rethinking Fundamental Theology examines central theological questions: about God, human experience and, specifically, religious experience; the divine revelation coming through the history of Israel and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; human faith that responds to revelation; the nature of tradition that transmits the record and reality of revelation; the structure of biblical inspiration and truth, as well as basic issues concerned with the formation of the canon; the founding of the Church with some leadership structures; the relationship between Christ''s revelation and the faith of those who follow other religions. O''Collins concludes with some reflections on theological method. Written with the scholarship and accessibility for which O''Collins is known and valued, this book will relaunch fundamental theology as a distinct and necessary discipline in faculties and departments of theology and religious studies around the world.

This book identifies the distinguishing features of fundamental theology, as distinct from philosophical theology, natural theology, apologetics, and other similar disciplines. Addressing the potential for confusion about basic Christian claims and beliefs, Gerald O''Collins sets out to relaunch fundamental theology as a discipline by presenting a coherent vision of basic theological questions and positions that lay the ground for work in specific areas of systematic theology. Rethinking Fundamental Theology examines central theological questions: about God, human experience and, specifically, religious experience; the divine revelation coming through the history of Israel and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; human faith that responds to revelation; the nature of tradition that transmits the record and reality of revelation; the structure of biblical inspiration and truth, as well as basic issues concerned with the formation of the canon; the founding of the Church with some leadership structures; the relationship between Christ''s revelation and the faith of those who follow other religions. O''Collins concludes with some reflections on theological method. Written with the scholarship and accessibility for which O''Collins is known and valued, this book will relaunch fundamental theology as a distinct and necessary discipline in faculties and departments of theology and religious studies around the world.

Jesus Our Redeemer examines what it means when Christians call Jesus their ''Redeemer'' or ''Saviour''. It tackles such questions as: How can redemptive events in the past (Christ''s life, death, and resurrection) bring about saving effects in the present? Why do human beings need redemption, both individually and collectively? What images of God are implied by the saving action of God and by human needs? Gerald O''Collins SJ draws on the scriptures, Christianhymns and texts for worship, literature, the visual arts, and other sources. He examines four major models of how redemption through Christ has been thought to work: theories of deliverance, penal substitution, sacrifice, and transforming love. He concludes by considering the outworking of salvation in thelife of the Church, the situation of non-Christians, and the final consummation of human life and the created world at the end of time.

Many observers greeted the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) as the most important religious event in the twentieth century. Its implementation and impact are still being felt in the Catholic Church, the wider Christian world, and beyond. One sea change that Vatican II brought concerned Roman Catholic attitudes towards Judaism, Islam, and other religions. Gerald O''Collins breaks fresh ground by examining in detail five documents from the Council which embodied a new mindset about other religious faiths and mandated changes that quickly led to international and national dialogues between the Catholic Church and the followers of non-Christian religions. The book also includes chapters on the insights that prepared the way for the rethinking expressed by Vatican II, and on the follow-up to the Council''s teaching found in the work of Pope John Paul II and Jacques Dupuis. O''Collins ably illustrates how the Council made a startling advance in official Catholic teaching about followers of other living faiths. Carefully researched, the book is written in the clear, accessible style that readers of previous works by O''Collins will recognize.

Many observers greeted the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) as the most important religious event in the twentieth century. Its implementation and impact are still being felt in the Catholic Church, the wider Christian world, and beyond. One sea change that Vatican II brought concerned Roman Catholic attitudes towards Judaism, Islam, and other religions. Gerald O''Collins breaks fresh ground by examining in detail five documents from the Council which embodied a new mindset about other religious faiths and mandated changes that quickly led to international and national dialogues between the Catholic Church and the followers of non-Christian religions. The book also includes chapters on the insights that prepared the way for the rethinking expressed by Vatican II, and on the follow-up to the Council''s teaching found in the work of Pope John Paul II and Jacques Dupuis. O''Collins ably illustrates how the Council made a startling advance in official Catholic teaching about followers of other living faiths. Carefully researched, the book is written in the clear, accessible style that readers of previous works by O''Collins will recognize.

Despite a long history of external threats and internal strife, the Roman Catholic Church remains a vast and influential presence in our modern world. But what were its origins, and how has it changed and adapted over the centuries? After Pope Benedict XVI dramatically resigned in early 2013 (the first Pope to resign since the fifteenth century), and Pope Francis was elected, many wondered what direction he would lead the Church in, and whether the Church could modernise in the face of the demands of our world.In this Very Short Introduction, Gerald O''Collins covers the history of the Catholic Church, and considers some of the key issues facing Catholicism today, such as the catastrophic revelations about clerical child abuse, the impact of the growth of Islam, and the destruction in the Middle East of ancient Christian church communities. He also shows how Catholics are being increasingly challenged by an opposition between their traditional Christian values and rights which are endorsed by the secular world, such as the right to physician assisted suicide or same-sex marriage, and considers the future for the largest and oldest institution in the world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Despite a long history of external threats and internal strife, the Roman Catholic Church remains a vast and influential presence in our modern world. But what were its origins, and how has it changed and adapted over the centuries? After Pope Benedict XVI dramatically resigned in early 2013 (the first Pope to resign since the fifteenth century), and Pope Francis was elected, many wondered what direction he would lead the Church in, and whether the Church could modernise in the face of the demands of our world.In this Very Short Introduction, Gerald O''Collins covers the history of the Catholic Church, and considers some of the key issues facing Catholicism today, such as the catastrophic revelations about clerical child abuse, the impact of the growth of Islam, and the destruction in the Middle East of ancient Christian church communities. He also shows how Catholics are being increasingly challenged by an opposition between their traditional Christian values and rights which are endorsed by the secular world, such as the right to physician assisted suicide or same-sex marriage, and considers the future for the largest and oldest institution in the world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Despite an enormous amount of literature on St Augustine of Hippo, this work provides the first examination of what he taught about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Augustine expounded Christ''s resurrection in his sermons, letters, Answer to Faustus the Manichean, the City of God, Expositions of the Psalms, and the Trinity. Saint Augustine on the Resurrection of Christ: Teaching, Rhetoric, and Reception explores what Augustine held about the centrality ofChrist''s resurrection from the dead, the agency of Christ''s resurrection, and the nature of his risen existence. Leading scholar, Gerald O''Collins, investigates the impact of his resurrection on others and his mediatory role as the risen High Priest. O''Collins then unpicks Augustine''s rhetorical justificationfor the resurrection of Christ: evidence from creation, human history, and the desires of all human beings. This groundbreaking study illustrates the enduring significance of Augustine''s teaching on and apologetic for the resurrection, and updates, augments, and corrects what Augustine held.

Despite an enormous amount of literature on St Augustine of Hippo, this work provides the first examination of what he taught about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Augustine expounded Christ''s resurrection in his sermons, letters, Answer to Faustus the Manichean, the City of God, Expositions of the Psalms, and the Trinity. Saint Augustine on the Resurrection of Christ: Teaching, Rhetoric, and Reception explores what Augustine held about the centrality ofChrist''s resurrection from the dead, the agency of Christ''s resurrection, and the nature of his risen existence. Leading scholar, Gerald O''Collins, investigates the impact of his resurrection on others and his mediatory role as the risen High Priest. O''Collins then unpicks Augustine''s rhetorical justificationfor the resurrection of Christ: evidence from creation, human history, and the desires of all human beings. This groundbreaking study illustrates the enduring significance of Augustine''s teaching on and apologetic for the resurrection, and updates, augments, and corrects what Augustine held.

Inspiration: Towards a Christian Interpretation of Biblical Inspiration anchors its study of inspiration firmly in the Scriptures and examines the inspired nature of the Bible and its inspiring impact. Gerald O''Collins begins by examining classical view of inspiration expounded by Karl Barth and Raymond Collins. He takes up the inspired origin of the Old Testament, where earlier books helped to inspire later books, before moving to the New Testament, which throughout shows the inspiring impact of the inherited Scriptures--both in direct citations and in many echoes. The work then investigates the Bible''s inspiring influence on Christian worship, preaching, teaching, the visual arts, literature, and life. After a chapter that clarifies the interrelationship between divine revelation, tradition, and inspiration, two chapters expound ten characteristics of biblical inspiration, with special emphasis on the inspiring quality of the Bible. O''Collins explains a major consequence of inspiration, biblical truth, and the grounds on which the Church ''canonized'' the Scriptures. After spelling out three approaches to biblical interpretation (the authorial intention, the role of readers, and the primacy of the text itself), the book ends by setting out ten principles for engaging theologically with the Scriptures. An epilogue highlights two achievements of the book. By carefully distinguishing inspiration from divine revelation and biblical truth, it can deliver readers from false problems. This work also underlines the inspiring effects of the Scriptures as part of the Holy Spirit''s work of inspiration.

Inspiration: Towards a Christian Interpretation of Biblical Inspiration anchors its study of inspiration firmly in the Scriptures and examines the inspired nature of the Bible and its inspiring impact. Gerald O''Collins begins by examining classical view of inspiration expounded by Karl Barth and Raymond Collins. He takes up the inspired origin of the Old Testament, where earlier books helped to inspire later books, before moving to the New Testament, which throughout shows the inspiring impact of the inherited Scriptures--both in direct citations and in many echoes. The work then investigates the Bible''s inspiring influence on Christian worship, preaching, teaching, the visual arts, literature, and life. After a chapter that clarifies the interrelationship between divine revelation, tradition, and inspiration, two chapters expound ten characteristics of biblical inspiration, with special emphasis on the inspiring quality of the Bible. O''Collins explains a major consequence of inspiration, biblical truth, and the grounds on which the Church ''canonized'' the Scriptures. After spelling out three approaches to biblical interpretation (the authorial intention, the role of readers, and the primacy of the text itself), the book ends by setting out ten principles for engaging theologically with the Scriptures. An epilogue highlights two achievements of the book. By carefully distinguishing inspiration from divine revelation and biblical truth, it can deliver readers from false problems. This work also underlines the inspiring effects of the Scriptures as part of the Holy Spirit''s work of inspiration.

A 1963 report on tradition from the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches signalled a substantial convergence between the churches over Christian tradition and its relationship to Scripture. However, since the 1960s theologians have regularly ignored the theme of tradition. The few who have discussed this theme have not used the help provided by some sociologists towards understanding the role of tradition in human and religious life: for instance, as being all-pervasive and as shaping the identity of various societies and groups. The process and presence of Christian tradition embrace baptism and other sacraments, Bible, creeds and other doctrines, art, architecture, hymns, pilgrimages, literature, the celebration of Christmas, Easter and other feasts, and much else besides. Particular traditions can call for scrutiny and reform. Tradition: Understanding Christian Tradition proposes various criteria (e.g. the message of the Scriptures and spiritual experience) for discerning and evaluating specific traditions. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the risen Christ himself is the central Tradition (upper case) at the heart of all Christian traditions. The Spirit remains the primary bearer of the Church''s tradition; the secondary agents of tradition include not only ordained ministers but also all the baptized faithful. In the history of Christianity, tradition has interpreted and actualized the Scriptures, but has also been interpreted and challenged by them. An appendix explains the insights coming from specialists in the study of collective memory; their work also sheds light on the workings of Christian tradition.

A 1963 report on tradition from the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches signalled a substantial convergence between the churches over Christian tradition and its relationship to Scripture. However, since the 1960s theologians have regularly ignored the theme of tradition. The few who have discussed this theme have not used the help provided by some sociologists towards understanding the role of tradition in human and religious life: for instance, as being all-pervasive and as shaping the identity of various societies and groups. The process and presence of Christian tradition embrace baptism and other sacraments, Bible, creeds and other doctrines, art, architecture, hymns, pilgrimages, literature, the celebration of Christmas, Easter and other feasts, and much else besides. Particular traditions can call for scrutiny and reform. Tradition: Understanding Christian Tradition proposes various criteria (e.g. the message of the Scriptures and spiritual experience) for discerning and evaluating specific traditions. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the risen Christ himself is the central Tradition (upper case) at the heart of all Christian traditions. The Spirit remains the primary bearer of the Church''s tradition; the secondary agents of tradition include not only ordained ministers but also all the baptized faithful. In the history of Christianity, tradition has interpreted and actualized the Scriptures, but has also been interpreted and challenged by them. An appendix explains the insights coming from specialists in the study of collective memory; their work also sheds light on the workings of Christian tradition.

This collection of papers is an international, ecumenical, and interdisciplinary study of Jesus' resurrection that emerged from the `Resurrection Summit' meeting held in New York at Easter 1996. The contributions represent mainstream scholarship on biblical studies, fundamental theology, systematic theology, philosophy, moral theology, and homiletics, and combine to offer a timely, wide-ranging, and well-balanced work on the central truth of Christianity.

`encourages further reflections on the mystery which lies at the heart of our faith.'Catholic Herald`Here, in these essays, we have Christian theology at its best, intellectually demanding and engaged with issues of central importance - a good combination.' The TabletThis collection of papers is an international, ecumenical, and interdisciplinary study of Jesus' Resurrection that has emerged from the `Resurrection Summit' meeting held in New York at Easter 1996. The contributions represent mainstream scholarship on biblical studies, fundamental theology, systematic theology, philosophy, moral theology, and homiletics, and combine to offer a timely, wide-ranging, and well-balanced work on the central truth of Christianity.

This interdisciplinary study is the result of an international and ecumenical meeting of nineteen scholars held in New York at Easter 1998: the Trinity Summit. Biblical experts examine the scriptural roots of trinitarian doctrine, patristic scholars correct those who continue to misinterpret the trinitarian teaching of the Cappadocians and Augustine, and five scholars examine systematic and foundational issues like the viability of social models for the Trinity. The volume ends with a study of the Trinity in art and the challenge of preaching the Trinity today. Each of the papers presented here have been circulated to all of the contributors not only improving the chapters, but also establishing firmer links between the four sections of the book. The international reputation of the participants reflects and guarantees the high quality of this joint work.

This book identifies the distinguishing features of fundamental theology, as distinct from philosophical theology, natural theology, apologetics, and other similar disciplines. Addressing the potential for confusion about basic Christian claims and beliefs, Gerald O'Collins sets out to relaunch fundamental theology as a discipline by presenting a coherent vision of basic theological questions and positions that lay the ground for work in specific areas of systematic theology.Rethinking Fundamental Theology examines central theological questions: about God, human experience and, specifically, religious experience; the divine revelation coming through the history of Israel and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; human faith that responds to revelation; the nature of tradition that transmits the record and reality of revelation; the structure of biblical inspiration and truth, as well as basic issues concerned with the formation of the canon; the founding of the Church with some leadership structures; the relationship between Christ's revelation and the faith of those who follow other religions. O'Collins concludes with some reflections on theological method.Written with the scholarship and accessibility for which O'Collins is known and valued, this book will relaunch fundamental theology as a distinct and necessary discipline in faculties and departments of theology and religious studies around the world.

This book identifies the distinguishing features of fundamental theology, as distinct from philosophical theology, natural theology, apologetics, and other similar disciplines. Addressing the potential for confusion about basic Christian claims and beliefs, Gerald O'Collins sets out to relaunch fundamental theology as a discipline by presenting a coherent vision of basic theological questions and positions that lay the ground for work in specific areas of systematic theology. Rethinking Fundamental Theology examines central theological questions: about God, human experience and, specifically, religious experience; the divine revelation coming through the history of Israel and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; human faith that responds to revelation; the nature of tradition that transmits the record and reality of revelation; the structure of biblical inspiration and truth, as well as basic issues concerned with the formation of the canon; the founding of the Church with some leadership structures; the relationship between Christ's revelation and the faith of those who follow other religions. O'Collins concludes with some reflections on theological method. Written with the scholarship and accessibility for which O'Collins is known and valued, this book will relaunch fundamental theology as a distinct and necessary discipline in faculties and departments of theology and religious studies around the world.

Compiled by two Jesuit theologians, this dictionary defines more than 1200 theological terms with entries ranging in size from single sentences to 500-word essays.

In Pause for Thought, prominent theologian picks up where he left off in his previous book, Reflections for Busy People, offering new themes of reflection in the areas of prayer, Jesus, and God, and conveying in his popular, experiential, conversational, and accessible writing style new opportunities for prayer reflection.In part one the author begins with six images of what prayer is like and then provides some sample texts for practicing prayer. Part two offers brief reflections on the story of Jesus from the annunciation and the nativity, through episodes in his ministry (e.g., his teaching and healing activity), and continues through the transfiguration and the Last Supper. Parts three and four propose “pauses for thought” on the passion, resurrection, and risen life of Jesus. These two parts consider the differences between the passion and Easter narratives offered by the four Gospels. These differences can enrich our life of prayer. Part five reflects on “the God of all comfort,” God in the various seasons of our lives, and in the final feast of heaven.This particularly relevant book aims to help individual Christians, ministers, and members of religious institutes, who lead busy lives but wish to “pause for thought” regularly.†