This thesis focusses on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) and asks to what extent his Augustinian orientation facilitates a greater rapprochement between Catholicism and contemporary Evangelicalism. Benedict emerges as a nuanced and fundamentally open theologian who has pursued a consistent theological vision throughout his long career. The first two chapters orientate the reader to his life and thought and demonstrate his essential theological conservatism which is the sine qua non for any exploration of his merits as a dialogue partner with Evangelicalism. The following three chapters examine the implications of Ratzinger's Augustinianism for the contemporary ecumenical context, focussing primarily on the themes of soteriology and ecclesiology. In the case of soteriology, there is shown to be an unqualified embrace of Augustine's anti-Pelagianism and a corresponding emphasis on the priority of grace in salvation. In the final chapter of the thesis, the argument becomes more intel1'0gative in nature when Ratzinger's ecclesiology and sacramental theology are made subject to a rigorous critique in order to establish whether the definitively Catholic emphases impede ecumenical progress. We conclude that Evangelicals may find Augustinian elements in his ecclesiology ecumenically suspect but that aspects of his sacramental theology are surprisingly fruitful, and that the ambivalence created by this disjuncture provides the best context for future ecumenical dialogue.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:602600 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | McGlinchey, Patrick Gerard |
| Publisher | Queen's University Belfast |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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