Cardinal Walter Kasper's contributions to theology, ecumenism, Jewish-Christian relations, and the pastoral life of the church have shaped Catholicism in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Acknowledging this, Pope Francis has praised Kasper's "profound and serene" theology.In "The Theology of Cardinal Walter Kasper: Speaking Truth in Love," leading theologians from across the United States and Canada explore the full scope of Kasper's thought on topics such as the character of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, Christology, theological method, and the nature of the church-world relationship. Kasper himself presents four previously unpublished texts: on the interpretation of Vatican II, on forgiveness, on Christian hope, and on the approach to theology today.This volume originated at a conference in honor of Kasper's eightieth birthday at which he was an active participant. It provides an introduction to Kasper's thought and also an overview of major issues in contemporary Catholic theology.

What does it mean to say that God offers salvation to humanity? What is this salvation, and how can we become more conscious of it in our lives? These are the questions that Robert Krieg faces in "Treasure in the Field." While his intent is certainly to impart information and ideas found in Scripture, church teaching, and theology, it is also to illumine our own experiences.

Krieg retrieves the Bible's teaching on salvation and expresses it in contemporary terms. Drawing deeply from Scripture, he defines salvation as God's gift of personal identity, of wholeness. In this perspective, God calls us "not to invent" ourselves but "to discover" ourselves as God intends us to be. Those who gradually make this discovery become grateful recipients who give themselves and their talents for the well-being of other people and creation.

"Robert A. Krieg is professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame. He is the editor and translator of "Romano Guardini: Spiritual Writings," as well as the author of "Romano Guardini: A Precursor of Vatican II; Karl Adam: Catholicism in German Culture;" and" Story-Shaped Christology." His work has also appeared in "America, Theological Studies, Worship, "and many other journals."

How did Catholicism move from the defensive stance of the First Vatican Council in the 1870s to the open, responsive position of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s? The life and thought of Romano Guardini shows the way. In his unwavering pursuit of truth, Guardini discovered a clear path from the understanding of faith as theoretical conviction to one of faith as living experience. In Romano Guardini: A Precursor of Vatican II, Robert Krieg tells the story of one of the most creative theologians in the twentieth century, who anticipated Vatican II's commitment to read "the signs of the times." No other volume in the English language offers such a complete portrait of Guardini and his world. Exploring the context in which Guardini learned and taught, Krieg introduces us to his pastoral leadership, particularly in the liturgical and youth movements. Drawing on the more than 75 books and 100 articles written by Guardini, this book then examines the recurring major themes of his theology: divine revelation as God's self-disclosure, the church as Christian community, liturgy as play in God's presence, literature as expression of religious experience, Nazism as negation of personal existence, Jesus Christ as mediator, and Christian acceptance of modernity. Although he never intended to promote an ecumenical council of reform, Guardini's career-long commitment to both Judeo-Christian wisdom and intellectual exchange with contemporary thought resulted in his becoming widely regarded as a major precursor of the Second Vatican Council. Respected theologians such as Karl Rahner, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger have acknowledged their indebtedness to him. All those who wish to better understand the Church today can learn much from Romano Guardini, a pioneer in exciting theological territory. And this book is an excellent guide for an inspiring intellectual journey.

How did Catholicism move from the defensive stance of the First Vatican Council in the 1870s to the open, responsive position of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s? The life and thought of Romano Guardini shows the way. In his unwavering pursuit of truth, Guardini discovered a clear path from the understanding of faith as theoretical conviction to one of faith as living experience. In Romano Guardini: A Precursor of Vatican II, Robert Krieg tells the story of one of the most creative theologians in the twentieth century, who anticipated Vatican II's commitment to read "the signs of the times." No other volume in the English language offers such a complete portrait of Guardini and his world. Exploring the context in which Guardini learned and taught, Krieg introduces us to his pastoral leadership, particularly in the liturgical and youth movements. Drawing on the more than 75 books and 100 articles written by Guardini, this book then examines the recurring major themes of his theology: divine revelation as God's self-disclosure, the church as Christian community, liturgy as play in God's presence, literature as expression of religious experience, Nazism as negation of personal existence, Jesus Christ as mediator, and Christian acceptance of modernity. Although he never intended to promote an ecumenical council of reform, Guardini's career-long commitment to both Judeo-Christian wisdom and intellectual exchange with contemporary thought resulted in his becoming widely regarded as a major precursor of the Second Vatican Council. Respected theologians such as Karl Rahner, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger have acknowledged their indebtedness to him. All those who wish to better understand the Church today can learn much from Romano Guardini, a pioneer in exciting theological territory. And this book is an excellent guide for an inspiring intellectual journey.