Let God's Light Shine Forth

Sep 20, 2024 12:36 AM

Author:Robert Moynihan

Published at the beginning of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy in 2005, Let God's Light Shine Forth, introduced the world to his spiritual vision of hope.

The election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as successor to Pope John Paul II aroused tremendous interest not only among Catholics but throughout the world. Formerly the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and known for his stand against liberation theology and social activism on issues such as homosexuality, in his first days as Pope demonstrated a pastoral and very human face to the world. His deep faith, his theological learning and his intellectual gifts are without peer, and provided the foundation for his Papacy until his abdication in 2013,

This book, from the editor of Inside the Vatican, explores Benedict's beliefs and policies through his own writings. Robert Moynihan sets the scene for his momentous election and then surveys his writings: on Jesus, Mary and the Sacrements, on the wider issues of faith and spirituality, and on the world today. In conclusion he reveals Benedict XVI's views expressed since his election and shows how these relate to his spiritual vision for the Church and the world.

Reviews

This is the most fascinating and learned survey of the biggest wild-goose chase in history - the quest for God. Karen Armstrong is a genius

—— A.N. Wilson

A splendidly readable book...the stage is set for the question: has God a future?

—— Sister Wendy Beckett , Sunday Times

We are all watching a daily fight between the darkness and light. What we want, but may never get, is assurance that the light will prevail. Armstrong is too tough a thinker to offer us comfort there

—— Anthony Burgess , Observer

Armstrong shows a reverent curiosity and a generosity of spirit, refreshing the understanding of what one knows and providing a clear introduction to the unfamiliar

—— Rt Revd Robert Runcie , Daily Telegraph

Witty, informative and contemplative: Ms Armstrong can simplify complex ideas, but she is never simplistic

—— New York Times Book Review

Only those who think they know it all will fail to be fascinated by Armstrong's search for God

—— Economist

Highly readable, and ought to be read

—— Anthony Burgess , Observer

Armstrong's book has great merits. An ex-nun, this formidably intelligent woman knows enough about both Judaism and Islam to be appreciated by Jewish and Muslim scholars... Whenever she deals with Christian mysticims, agnosticism and heterodoxy, Armstrong offers valuable insights

—— The Times

An enormously intellectually challenging book. A fascinating way of approaching the subject

—— Rabbi Julia Neuberger

Thoroughly engaging and excellently written . . . While [Aslan] might claim to be a mere scholar of the Islamic Reformation, he is also one of its most articulate advocates

—— The Oregonian

A revelation, an opening up of knowledge too long buried, denied and corrupted by generations of men ... Muslim keepers of the latter will rage against Reza Aslan as his careful scholarship and precise language dismantles their false claims and commands ... Aslan is acutely perceptive

—— The Independent

A rather beautiful account of the birth and evolution of Islam ... Lucid and illuminating ... Fascinating

—— Metro

Aslan is an engaging writer, his strength lies ... as an observer of contemporary challenges facing Islam ... Sensitive and generous

—— FT Magazine

Enthralling. A book of tremendous clarity and generosity of spirit

—— Jim Crace

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