Matthew Levering is a professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton. His work delves into profound theological and biblical themes, exploring the nature of divine love and holiness. Levering's approach is characterized by a rigorous study of scripture and its application to contemporary life.
The exploration of Roman Catholic identity intertwines theology with personal memoir, as Matthew Levering candidly shares his journey. He reflects on the significance of claiming this tradition, acknowledging both its challenges and the hope it offers. Through his honest narrative, Levering invites readers to consider the complexities of faith and the impact of Catholicism on daily life.
This handbook provides an in-depth exploration of deification in Christian theology, featuring contributions from 46 experts. It highlights both commonalities and differences in the understanding of deification among various writers, thinkers, and traditions.
Designed to support the church in various educational settings, this volume emphasizes the importance of theological interpretation of the Bible. It aims to enhance preaching, teaching, and study group discussions, showcasing the relevance and practical application of theology in understanding scripture.
Focusing on the theological significance of Israel's covenantal relationship with God, this sequel explores key elements such as Scriptures, exodus, Torah, Temple, land, and Davidic kingship. Each chapter delves into these topics, examining their implications for both Judaism and Christian theology. By presenting a perspective rooted in post-Vatican II Catholicism, the book aims to foster Jewish-Christian dialogue, highlighting the eschatological marriage between God and His people as central to understanding the cosmos and salvation history.
Focusing on the theological concept of marriage, this volume explores the relationship between God and humanity as the foundational purpose of creation. It emphasizes that human marriage reflects this divine union, shaping its understanding through an eschatological lens. Key themes include the biblical basis for this relationship, the impact of original sin, and the significance of sacrificial love exemplified by Christ. Additionally, the book discusses marriage's roles in social justice and the kingdom of God, while introducing influential thinkers and historical debates surrounding the doctrine of marriage.
This book dives a thorough presentation of the Christian teaching on marital indissolubility in order to consider the various interpretations of Pope Francis' Amoris laetitia. The author argues that Amoris laetitia upholds the traditional Catholic teaching that a valid and consummated Christian marriage is indissoluble, in accord with the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, as solemnly and authoritatively taught by the Council of Trent and affirmed by later popes and the Second Vatican Council. He demonstrates why implementations of the document should not undermine this doctrine. --Book cover
Beginning with a personal recollection of the achievements of Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., by David L. Schinder, this work includes twelve essays by theologians who acknowledge a debt to Father Fessio and Ignatius Press. These twelve essays treat topics such as the Church as the mystical body, the liturgy, Christian apologetics in post-modern culture, public theology, analogy, Scriptural interpretation, marriage and the Trinity, theological dramatics, Pope Benedict XVI's sources, Tradition, and development of doctrine.Among the major 20th century figures treated in these essays are Hans Urs von Balthasar, Louis Bouyer, Henri de Lubac, Joseph Ratzinger, and Josef Pieper. The contributors hope that the topics of the essays represent a large swath of the interests of Father Fessio, from his early scholarly work on the Church, his commitment to liturgical renewal and Catholic catechesis, through his devotion to Ignatian spirituality and his appreciation for Thomistic philosophy, and his lifelong engagement with the theology of von Balthasar and Ratzinger.
The book highlights the value of von Balthasar's trilogy for his critics, emphasizing its engaging discussions and its critical dialogue with German philosophical modernity. It suggests that both the depth of conversation within the trilogy and its philosophical insights can provide significant benefits to those analyzing his work.
Focusing on the intersection of Catholic ethics and biblical teachings, Levering explores how Jesus's inauguration of the kingdom of God transforms moral understanding. He emphasizes that through Christ's spirit, individuals can comprehend and adhere to God's law, promoting human flourishing both personally and communally. The pursuit of beatific communion with God in charity reshapes the practice of moral virtues, highlighting the importance of temperance in achieving a fulfilling life.
In this rich book Matthew Levering explores nine key virtues that we need to die (and live) well: love, hope, faith, penitence, gratitude, solidarity, humility, surrender, and courage. Retrieving and engaging a variety of biblical, theological, historical, and medical resources, Levering journeys through the various stages and challenges of the dying process, beginning with the fear of annihilation and continuing through repentance and gratitude, suffering and hope, before arriving finally at the courage needed to say goodbye to one's familiar world. Grounded in careful readings of Scripture, the theological tradition, and contemporary culture, Dying and the Virtues comprehensively and beautifully shows how these nine virtues effectively unite us with God, the One who alone can conquer death.