Italian Texts and Studies on Religion and Society – serie

Foreword by Geoffrey Wainwright

Postmodern thought has attempted to strip many traditional values and beliefs of their power, and the Christian faith is no exception. In this spiritually and intellectually wise book Bruno Forte upholds the "essence" -- the heart and meaning -- of Christianity despite the claims of the contemporary world.

In the tradition of thinkers like Feuerbach, Harnack, and Guardini, Forte restates what is unique, reliable, and universal about Christianity for our current age. After outlining in broad terms the nature of postmodernity and its challenges to traditional faith, Forte proceeds, with the voice of one intimately in love with God, to present anew what lies at the heart of genuine Christianity and why it is still good news for women and men today.

Among the many books on postmodernism, this one is distinct for its conscientious dialogue with postmodern culture and its clear proclamation of meaningful faith. It will interest everyone pondering the role of Christianity in contemporary life.

Foreword by Pope John Paul II Translated by David GlendayA little more than a year before his death, Pope John Paul II gathered his closest aides for an extended retreat at the Vatican. During this retreat Bruno Forte offered a series of meditations revolving around Jesus' words in John 8:12: "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."Now translated by David Glenday and collected in this lovely book, these meditations draw us into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and orient us toward the mission of the church. A master of thoughtful questioning, Forte shepherds his readers through the classic Ignatian spiritual exercises: a day of purification, a day of illumination, and three days of reflection on Easter, the church, and mission. Each day includes four meditations, two reflecting on the day's theme followed by two careful considerations of scriptural texts. Forte concludes his meditations with questions that provoke deeper reflection on our own faith journeys.Thoughtful, insightful, and nurturing, Forte's book has much wisdom to offer all Christians who desire to follow more closely the "Light of life."