Overview

Despite a long history of external threats and internal strife, the Roman Catholic Church and the broader reality of Catholicism remain a vast and valuable presence into the third millennium of world history. What are the origins of the Catholic Church? How has Catholicism changed and adapted to such vast and diverse cultural influences over the centuries? What great challenges does the Catholic Church now face in the twenty-first century, both within its own life and in its relation to others around the world? In this Very Short Introduction, Gerald O'Collins draws on the best current scholarship available to answer these questions and to present, in clear and accessible language, a fresh introduction to 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.

Full Product Details

9780199545919

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is an excellent little book which reveals the heart of Catholicism, written by a theologian steeped in the vision of Vatican II and Pope Francis. It would be important reading not only by those who do not profess this faith but also by all those who do. - Jean Vanier, Founder of L'Arche

The book has much to commend it ... a concise and balanced history of some of the chief figures in christology, from patristic, through medieval to modern times.

Author Information

Gerald O'Collins received his Ph.D. in 1968 at the University of Cambridge, where he was a research fellow at Pembroke College. From 1973-2006, he taught at the Gregorian University (Rome) where he was also dean of the theology faculty (1985-91). Alone or with others, he has published fifty books, including such works with Oxford University Press as Christology, Jesus Our Redeemer and Salvation For All. Authored hundreds of articles in professional and popular journals, he has lectured at many universities and colleges in the British Isles, India, New Zealand, the United States, his native Australia and elsewhere. As well as receiving over the years numerous honorary doctorates and other awards, in 2006 he was created a Companion of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest civil honour granted through the Australian government. Currently he is a research professor of theology at St Mary's University College,Twickenham (UK).

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