The Cambridge Companion to Vatican II

This Companion will assist the reader in apprehending a coherent and synthetic interpretation of the teaching of Vatican II.

Richard R. Gaillardetz (Edited by)

9781108457637, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 May 2020

378 pages
22.7 x 15.3 x 2 cm, 0.55 kg

'The splendid Companion engages readers in the lively process of ­understanding and interpreting Vatican II in its time, and applying it for our times.' Hilmar M. Pabel, The Tablet

This Companion provides an accessible guide for those seeking to comprehend the significance of Vatican II for Catholicism today. It offers a thorough overview of the Second Vatican Council, the most significant event in the history of Roman Catholicism since the Protestant Reformation. Almost six decades since the close of the council, its teaching remains what one pope referred to as a 'sure compass' for guiding today's church. The first part of the Companion examines the historical, theological, and ecclesial contexts for comprehending the significance of the council. It also presents the key processes, as well as the participants who were central to the actual conduct of the council. The second part identifies and explores the central themes embedded in the council documents. The Companion concludes with a unique appendix intended to guide students wishing to pursue more advanced research in Vatican II studies.

Part I. Vatican II in context: 1. Church life in the first half of the twentieth century Mark R. Francis
2. Theological renewal in the first half of the twentieth century Gabriel Flynn
3. Papal leadership in the first half of the twentieth century: resistance and renewal Karim Schelkens
4. The council as ecclesial process Massimo Faggioli
5. The role of non-voting participants in the preparation and conduct of the council Peter De Mey
6. Conciliar hermeneutics Ormond Rush
Part II. Conciliar themes and reception: 7. The pilgrim church: An ongoing journey of ecclesial renewal and reform Gerard Mannion
8. The church in mission Stephen Bevans
9. Revelation Richard Gaillardetz
10. Liturgy David Turnbloom
11. The word and spirit co-instituting the church Brian Flanagan
12. The Christian faithful Amanda Osheim
13. Leadership and governance in the church Thomas Rausch
14. Ministry in the church Richard Lennan
15. Professed religious life Gemma Simmonds
16. Ecumenism Susan K. Wood
17. The church and other religions Edmund Kee-Fook Chia
18. The renewal of moral theology James Keenan
Appendix: resources for the study of Vatican II Catherine Clifford.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church [HRCC7], Church history [HRCC2], History of religion [HRAX]