Book Reviews and More: Benedict XVI - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky

Benedict XVI
CTS Biographies
Helena Scott
Ethel Tolansky
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860823398
First Edition 2005
Revised Edition 2010

Over the years I have read a handful of books by Pope Benedict, a few before his election and a few after. This however is the second book about him that I have read in as many weeks. This book is part of the CTS Biographies Series from the Catholic Truth Society. It is also the 7th book I have read by Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky over two months, and the 27th from CTS. I have loved all the biographies by Scott and Tolansky that I have read and this this one is one of the best. It was first published in 2005 after the election of Benedict XVI, and the revised edition of 2010 has an additional chapter with a brief look the first five years of his pontificate. The who also contributed on a book called 'A Pope of Surprises: The First Five Years of Benedict XVI's Papacy' that I will be reading soon that has a chapter for each of those first five years. But back to this specific volume. The description of the book is:

"Joseph Ratzinger was born in Catholic Bavaria in 1927 and witnessed war's 'gates of hell' in Nazi Germany. After the war he became a priest and later a theologian, university professor and rising academic star. He rose to prominence as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican and was elected Pope at 78 years old. This booklet penetrates popular stereotyping to reveal the truth, complexity and thought of this very modest and pious theologian. Here we discover a 'humble and thoroughly kind man', a leading thinker very much in touch with this modern age. Updated in 2010, the booklet evaluates the first 5 years of his papacy."

And the chapters are:

The Bells Ring out
Early life
Towards Priesthood
Academic Life and Vatican Council
Archbishop, Cardinal and prefect
Pope Benedict
Bibliography

This book does a great job of introducing us to the life, election and early years of Pope Benedict XVI. The more I read about and by Benedict XVI, the more I want to read. And the more I appreciate the man, his faith, and his life of service. Writing about then cardinal Ratzinger deciding to leave the board of a literary magazine he was involved with, Ratzinger stated:

"I have always tried to remain true to Vatican II, to this today of the Church, without any longing for a yesterday irretrievably gone and without any impatient thrust towards a tomorrow that is not ours."

And he ended his relationship with the journal. Previously I was unaware that three different times he asked then pope John Paul II to leave his work at the Vatican and return to Academic work. His faith and devotion are encouraging. And the way he was portrayed in the media, looking back, is a disgrace. This volume will show you his faith, a faith based on reason and extensive study. Yes, he was an academic, but he always strove to understand the other side and was open to change. No matter what new responsibility was thrust upon him, he yielded to the call, and leading of the Holy Spirit.

This book is a wonderful read, and though currently out of print, is worth the time and effort to track it down. It will challenge you and inspire. Another excellent read from the Catholic Truth Society.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.