Joseph Ratzinger and the Healing of the Reformation-Era Divisions

Matthew Levering holds the James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary. He is the author or editor of over forty books on topics in dogmatic, sacramental, moral, historical, and biblical theology. He co-edits two quarterly journals, Nova et Vetera and International Journal of Systematic Theology. Since 2004, he has been a participant in Evangelicals and Catholics Together, and from 2007-2016 he served as Chair of the Board of the Academy of Catholic Theology. He co-founded the Chicago Theological Initiative and has directed the Center for Scriptural Exegesis, Philosophy, and Doctrine since 2011.Emery de Gaál a is a priest of the Catholic diocese of Eichtätt, Bavaria, Germany. He is chairman and professor of dogmatic theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/ Mundelein Seminary. He studied philosophy and theology in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Munich. De Gaál is the author of O Lord, I Seek Your Countenance: Explorations and Discoveries in Pope Benedict XVI's Theology, The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI: The Christocentric Shift, and numerous articles on Benedict XVI's theology.

This book is a testimony to true ecumenical dialogue. Rather than engage in a bland 'ecumenism of negotiation,' De Gaál and Levering put on display an 'ecumenism of mutual gift.' The high caliber of both Catholic and Protestant contributions, along with the friendship among the contributors, are the guarantee that this dialogue will in fact yield the desired mutual enrichment. This book is a major accomplishment and deserves prayerful reading and reflection with a hopeful eye to full doctrinal and ecclesial unity." - Hans Boersma Nashotah House"Here is a collection of timely essays on the ecumenical legacy of Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the most consequential Catholic theologian since the Second Vatican Council. An important contribution to the ongoing journey toward Christian unity." - Timothy George Beeson Divinity School, Samford University"This volume represents an important step forward in Ratzinger scholarship, exploring as it does a remarkable range of topics germane to the emeritus pontiff's ecumenical vision. The authors follow Ratzinger in rejecting a dead-end ecumenical approach that would marginalize questions of doctrinal truth—and thereby the reason anyone would want to be Christian in the first place. What is more, by including both Catholic and Protestant scholars in the endeavor, the editors have produced a volume which not only speaks with erudition on the subject of ecumenism but—just as importantly—puts it into practice." - Matthew J. RamageBenedictine College"This honest and hopeful volume merits careful reading by Catholic and Protestant scholars seeking deeper communion in Christ. The contributors outline areas of mutual enrichment without papering over ongoing major differences. The editors are to be commended for guiding this volume to reflect Ratzinger's patient, preserving, and reforming spirit. I hope this collection will fuel further productive biblical-theological collaboration." - Paul House Beeson Divinity School of Samford University