Author: Gediminas T. Jankunas STD
Copyright: 2011
First Printed: 02-04-2011
The origin of relativism has been traced back to the famous statement of the Greek, philosopher Protagoras: “Man is the measure of all things, of those being that they are, of those not being, that they are not.” It is Pope Benedict XVI’s claim that in an unreflected, uncritical and naive way, the modern world has been ensnared into relativism. Because relativists do not accept anything as the absolute truth, Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church are considered contextual and therefore merely subjective in nature. This work shows how relativism was experienced by the young Joseph Ratzinger in Nazi Germany, how his world view was solidified when studying Augustine and Bonaventure, and how the Second Vatican Council, where he served as a peritus, was sensitive to this issue. His classic work on 20th century theology, Introduction to Christianity, was an attempt to overcome the rising tide of relativism as he saw it. This was further explored in the best-selling titles Truth and Tolerance and Without Roots. As Pope, he has returned to this subject time and again. The remedy he offers is profound yet simple: truth lies in Jesus Christ, the only and unique revelation of God. It is only by recognizing Jesus Christ, the Church and her liturgy, that the deleterious effects of relativism might be overcome. His is the voice which proclaims that problem to the world; his is also he voice offering ways to overcome it. This book shows us how.
About the Author: Gediminas T. Jankunas is a priest of the diocese of Panevezy, Lithuania, serving as an Episcopal vicar for pastoral affairs. He holds an S.T.D. from St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary. He is presently teaching Christology at the Kaunas Theological Seminary and Pastoral Studies at the University of Vytautas Magnus. This is his seminal work.
Book: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 0-8189-1316-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8189-1316-7