Description
Book SynopsisIt was by far the most controversial document to emerge from Vatican II Dignitatis Humanae, or the Declaration on Religious Freedom. Drafted largely by prominent Jesuit theologian John Courtney Murray, it represented a departure from previous Catholic teachings in that it acknowledged and accepted as normative the separation between Church and State and declared religious freedom a fundamental human right. In doing this, it set forth guidelines for the role of the Catholic Church in secular liberal and pluralistic societies.
Nearly four decades later, Hermínio Rico examines the continued relevance of this declaration in today''s world, compares its most paradigmatic interpretations, and proposes a reconsideration of its import for contemporary church-society relationships. He offers a detailed analysis of how Pope John Paul II has appropriated, interpreted, and developed the main themes of the document, and how he has applied them to such contentious modern issues as
Trade Review
Rico has made an important and timely contribution to the issue of religious freedom in general and to the understanding of Vatican II's Dignitatis Humanae in particular. Rico's examination is a significant contribution to comprehend better this dilemma of the present day. Theological Studies The Conciliar debates about truth, dialogue and liberty are still very much alive, and we do well to revisit past contributions such Dignitatis Humanae and Gaudium et spes. And this magnificent book will be a worthy guide. The Way Important. America Scholars interested in contemporary Catholic thought on religious freedom and the intellectual contribution of John Courtney Murray will profit greatly from this explanation. Journal of Religion
Table of Contents
1. Three Moments for Dignitatis Humanae 2. Interpretations of Dignitatis Humanae: Circumstantial Factors and Essential Conclusions 3. Dignitatis Humanae in the Pontificate of John Paul II 4. Freedom, Dialogue, and Truth: The Presence of the Church in Contemporary Pluralistic and Secularized Societies
