Renewing Christianity: A History of Church Reform from Day One to Vatican II - Softcover

Bellitto, Christopher M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0809140284 ISBN 13: 9780809140282

Publisher: Paulist Press, 2001

Synopsis

This book follows the tide of reform and renewal in Church history, and demonstrates that reform has always been an essential element of Christianity. Indeed, Christopher Bellitto emphasizes that reform should not be perceived as limited to the Reformation or Vatican II. As one learns from the author's analysis, the history of Christianity is little other than the history of reform.

This sweeping assessment of Church history is both remarkable and deep, but is also highly readable. Bellitto begins with an introduction to the subject of reform and follows that with chapters on the patristic period and Carolingian Renaissance, the High Middle Ages (1050-1300), Avignon to Trent, From Trent to Modernity, and Vatican II. He ends with a conclusion that draws together the recurring themes and patterns of reform activity in the Church. In short, this is a unique book on the subject of Church reform.

Renewing Christianity is useful to both scholars and non-academics alike. It is written in a "learnedly popular style," and would appeal to clergy, seminarians, academics, graduate students or anyone interested in Church reform and renewal, Church history, or historical theology.

About this title

About the Author

Christopher M. Bellitto holds a Ph.D. in medieval history from Fordham University. A prolific writer, he has written numerous articles for scholarly and popular journals. He is also the author of several books.

From Library Journal

In this brilliant work on the dynamics of reform and renewal in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, Bellitto presents a scholarly treatment of the language and principles that underlie the notion of reform. He also discusses how church reform has been evidenced through history. With a level of detail appropriate for both the scholar and the student, Bellitto (St. Joseph's Seminary; Nicolas de Clamanges) subsequently considers five specific periods and traces how the challenges of reform and renewal were played out. The historical periods include the Patristic Age, the Gregorian Revolution, the Reformation, the Age of Trent, and Vatican II. Eminent theologians such as Gerhart B. Ladner, Hubert Jedin, Jean-Yves Congar, and Cardinal Avery Dulles are frequently employed to substantiate further an already credible argument. Each individual chapter concludes with a statement of perspective and detailed end notes. A helpful index concludes this most excellent study. Recommended for academic and theological collections. John-Leonard Berg, Univ. of Wisconsin Lib., Platteville
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0809140284
• ISBN 13: 9780809140282
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256