Title

Expert insight into Pope's 'thoughts' launched at Notre Dame

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Spring 23-9-2010

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney Campus

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Centre for Faith Ethics and Society hosted the launch of a new book last week, Benedict XVI: a Guide for the Perplexed, which explains and synthesizes the theology of the current Pope.

The author, Dr Tracey Rowland, is the Dean of the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Melbourne and an Adjunct Professor at Notre Dame. She has been credited with bringing ‘Benedict to the masses’ through her research and publications on the Pope’s intellectual background.

At the launch Director of the Centre, Associate Professor Sandra Lynch, introduced the audience to Dr Rowland and provided commentary on her latest book.

“Professor Tracey Rowland’s book identifies the pivotal theological themes of Pope Benedict XVI’s work in a clear and sophisticated way,” said Professor Lynch.

“The book successfully links theological concepts and the Christian tradition with critiques of popular culture and the role of reason and affectivity in understanding history.”

The University of Sydney Chaplaincy Convener, Daniel Hill, also spoke at the launch, praising the book for “taking readers beyond the caricatures of Pope Benedict XVI”.

“This book takes us into the depth of the Pope’s thought from Professor to Pontiff, without simply being a thought narrative.

“Dr Rowland exposes the reader to the intellectual beasts and chimeras that have thrown themselves at the mind of the church and then leads us to the Pope’s reaction. I wholeheartedly recommend the book to you all and encourage you to continue in the new ‘Benedictine Movement’ which it so succinctly encapsulates,” said Mr Hill.

Professor Rowland is also a member of the Centre for Theology and Philosophy at the University of Nottingham and a member of the editorial board of the English language edition of Communio, the International Catholic Review.

Her previous books include: Culture and the Thomist Tradition: after Vatican II and Ratzinger’s Faith: The Theology of Benedict XVI.

Media Contact:

Moira Saunders
02 8204 4407

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