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Blackfriars Publications
NEW! The Assunta Kirwan Memorial Lectures Click here
The Full List of Published Booklets
New Year 2008 All booklets are in trimmed A5 format (145mm x 210mm)
 (try this) have the cover of their work illustrated by clicking it.Those followed by a blue arrow-head  are in the Electronic Library.Those followed by  are published by CCC; DPJ Dominicans for Peace & Justice; CPW Catholic Peoples’ Weeks
Titles are to be found in alphabetical order. Recent additions to this Catalogue are marked:
James Alison
For those who have been ‘turned off’ Mary on account of the exaggerated respect, amounting to mariolatory, so often shown her within the Roman tradition this is a must. With his usual wit and charm James Alison presents us with a compellingtheology of the ‘Mother of God’ (or more correctly ‘The God-bearer’ – Theotokos), illustrating what he says with the most delightful analogies – especially if you are, as he puts it, a ‘Rossini-nut’.
Margaret Atkins
A high quality presentation of our responsibility, as Christians, for God’s Creation. Published and subsidised by the Dominican Justice and Peace Commission. Tina Beattie [CPW]
As in the following item, the author challenges us to consider the full implications of being a disciple of the Christ. One of a series of lectures organised by “Catholic Peoples Week”. Tina Beattie [DJP]
One of the Assunta Kirwan Memorial Lectures this contribution asks us to take Jesus’ message – the Good News – really seriously. Does it permit us to ‘hit back’ even in self-defence or defence of others? Do not our traditional attitudes leave us in a position as if the Christ had not come? She convinced me; and yet, nevertheless, the conviction has difficulty lasting. Her talk rather fades out, but the challenge and the questions posited remain. Oliver Bernard (Tr. & Ed.)
This Medieval English poem, with the Latin refrain which gives it its title: “[Because] I languish for love” (in Richard Rolle’s rendering) is one of the gems both of our literary and religious heritage. The second part of it, Christ appealing to errant humans, is to be found in the Oxford Books of English Verse. The first part, however, in which the Virgin Mary appeals lovingly to her children (us) is almost unknown – presumably for historical and doctrinal reasons. A pity, for the two form a whole of great beauty. A limited and special edition of the two together, of 1937, is all that is available to any but the scholar. At the same time, the original Middle English is not altogether easy for the untutored or unscholarly to read or follow. Comments (September 1995): “Your rendering very much appreciated.
The plangency and push of the verse lives on beautifully.” “I am reading your translation... with great
admiration.” Jordan Bishop
The Author looks at the Papal ‘Social’ teaching from Rerum novarum (Leo XIII), thru Quadragesimo anno (Pius IX), Divini redemptoris (Pius XI), Populorum Progressio (Paul VI) to Laborem exercens (John Paul II) putting these encyclicals and what they are saying in their historical context. He successfully shows that by and large their opposition to Capitalism is stronger than it is to Socialism. This is, however, often hidden and betrayed by the Churches elite being more committed to power and wealth than to the Gospel.
Jordan Bishop
“Human kind cannot bear very much reality” (T.S.Eliot, Burnt Norton.) This is a three volume examination of what we have lost or gained through the passage of history, the enlightenment, the development of legalism and the rule of ‘logic’, with regard to the understanding of human acts. Sarah Boss
An interpretation of this Pauline passage – normally regarded as ‘anti-feminist’ – written for the Peace Preaching Course (Cf. Roger Ruston, How the Gospel was first Preached etc.)
Cecily Boulding O.P.
A paper originally given to the Dominican Seminar at London Colney, New Year 1997. There is normally a considerable amount of confusion in the minds of the faithful as to what the Church actually declares its faith to be with regard to the relationship of Mary to God, to us, and to our salvation. A considerable amount of piety – a lot of it not all that healthy – is confused with what is found in Scripture and the genuine Traditions of the Church. Cecily Boulding, until recently lecturer in Dogmatic Theology at Ushaw College, gives a clear and persuasively theological presentation of this situation.
A masterly presentation of the historical origins and development of the Eucharist. For everyone!
The parameters of present day ecumenism are clearly presented. Sr Cecily clarifies and discusses critical areas in which there are normally found to be different theologies between the Churches: The Church as Mystery; The Church as People; The Church as Sacrament; The Church as Catholic and Apostolic and the Church as Holy.
Tom Brogan
A paper given to the Newman Association (Manchester Circle) as part of a series on the “Presence of the Spirit”, Dr Brogan is a retired consultant bacteriologist, and a thoughtful and progressive theologian.
Simon Bryden-Brook
A smaller, and more handy, collection of the liturgies presented in the author’s Take, Bless, Break, Share, published by Canterbury Press, Norwich 1998.
A church musician and former headmaster takes a piercing look at how parishioners as well as clergy can impede the growth of collaborative ministry.
Simon Bryden-Brook
In his foreword to these two essays, Dr Michael Winter, formerly of the Beda, says that the authors focus on unpleasant realities caused by our failure to live up to Vatican II ideals of ministry.
Under the general title of “A Philosopher’s Way” [more titles to follow] Robert Buckenmeyer, through a lifetime of teaching, uses the wisdom of Lao-Tzu, Socrates, Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas to give us a view of the mind in action, and the way in which youth can be educated and inspired.
Robert Buckenmeyer
Again, under the overall heading of “A Philosopher’s Way” Robert Buckenmeyer searches the wisdom of the sages, mostly of old – through Socrates to Eckhart – and shows how a profound appreciation of philosophy can lead to God in a way that is truly prayerful.
It hardly needs to be said that this talk argues strongly against the current system. A powerful presentation from the Netherlands.
John Casey
Theologically the richest of these Cambridge Lenten talks onthe “Seven Deadly Sins” which include Edmund Hill’s Pride and Christine Fletcher’s Gluttony. Isidore Clarke O.P.
A simple, and at times even a transparent, picture of the Dominicans, their life, spirit and ideals. It has no scholarly or academic pretensions, yet the depth of theological vision, and the author’s ability to communicate it, is as great as will be found anywhere. This makes it a very refreshing and readable presentation.
This is the third in the series Social Justice and the Environment (talks given to the Newman Association, Manchester and Nrth Cheshire Circle 1997/8.) Ecumenism is not about finding a Common Denominator for all Christians – or even all faiths. The Theology of Ecumenism goes back to the origins of the term: Ecumenos – the whole inhabited world, seen from the point of view of God's concern for his whole people, through the Old testament and the new, and subsequent history.
Specially rewritten for Blackfriars Publications this work discusses the problems that arise with regard Petitionary Prayer in particular. Can God be ‘moved’? What are we doing when we pray?
Eamon Duffy
As usual, this brilliant scholar provides us with a view of the true nature of the Papacy in its historical context, distinguishing myths about it which damage its value and effectiveness, and explaining how it has come, unwisely and wrongfully, to develop its present apparently unyielding ultramontane stance. One of the Michael Richards Memorial lectures (1997) organised by The Pelican Trust, and published by Catholics for a Changing Church.
A talk given for St Thomas Aquinas at Blackfriars, Glasgow, which considers healthy and unhealthy ways of talking about the Virgin Mary.
Eamon Duffy,
John Wijngaards
Edited and introduced by Giles Hibbert O.P., this collection of papers explores the fault lines in our understanding of the priesthood. In his historical presentation of actual ‘priests’ from the Middle Ages to the present day Professor Duffy shows how our present crisis is largely due to the Council of Trent. More theological and less historical the other writers point the same way. Rediscovering the meaning of Priesthood implies rediscovering and living our faith, and vice versa.
A noted Catholic writer on ecology and spirituality, Dr Echlin here calls on the Church to accept its responsibilities.
Rafael Esteban
Rafael Esteban, African Missionary, coming originally fom Spain but long resident in this country after earlier years in Africa, writes in this booklet (published by Catholics for a Changing Church q.v. and printed and produced by Blackfriars Publications) about the need for laicising the Church. What has been lost sight of in the Church’s development is the fact that the laity (laos) are the People of God – the Church.
Rafael Esteban
Rafael, in another booklet published by CCC (see below) criticises the power structure of the priestly tradition, and shows how its character is essentially that of ministry. One of the Michael Richards memorial lectures (1997) organised by The Pelican Trust, and published by Catholics for a Changing Church (q.v.)
In the current climate of the acceptance of women for ordination to the priesthood by the Church of England, and its even more recent rejection by the Church in Wales, this study of the Roman Catholic position on the nature and role of women within the Church is of considerable interest. To those Anglicans, who have “gone over to Rome” in protest, the Roman Catholic Tradition seems a safe and secure haven – but is it? The Belgian priest, present at the recent ordinations in Bristol Cathedral, who prayed for the future ordination of women within the Roman communion, had scorn and contempt poured on him by ecclesiastical commentators. Nevertheless he probably represents the tip of an iceberg – or perhaps a glacier, melting and advancing. Claire Farley, an Anglican and a theological graduate from Manchester University, here examines the strengths (?) and weaknesses of the Vatican position, showing how in recent years it has both advanced and then regressed. She presents criticisms from within the Roman tradition and from the point of view of militant feminism, subjecting these in turn to her own further criticism, which is both theologically balanced and creative. The way ahead, in all Christian communities, is exciting if at times likely to be somewhat hesitant and fraught. This booklet is a lively contribution to the on-going debate which, although in some areas may seem to have been settled, in others is only just beginning.
Richard Finn O.P.
There’s something special about the Carmelite Way – it goes steeply up hill, Mount Carmel. This guru and that have their special ‘techniques’ and there are those who search here and there for a ‘Master’, but who has ever hear of a Dominican Way? Oh yes, there‘s the Rosary, and there are indeed those who have tried to make this into a theological mystique ... Richard Finn shows that the Dominican theological tradition – nurtured in the souls of such great men as Eckhart, Tyler an their peers – which has its roots in the realism of Aquinas, is in fact a very real and very powerful way of life – apparently lacking system but nevertheless profoundly incarnational, human, Godly. – Interesting. Richard Finn O.P.
In this talk, originally given at the Dominican Seminar at London Colney (1997/98), that ‘quaint’ document – the Rule of St Augustine, nominally governing the regime of so many religious orders – is presented to us in a new light. Regarded, so totally misleadingly, as a ‘rule’ in the legalistic sense – often adopted because in those terms it is so easy to get round. Either not much, or alternatively quite perverse, sense has traditionally been made of it. Richar Finn brilliantly shows what an inspiring and liberating piece of thinking it is.
Former seminary professor and Vicar General, Tim Firth, calls for greater tolerance for religious difference and argues his case closely.
The accusation made against Jesus (cf. Matthew 11:19) is shown to be much more radical than merely a put-down comment by the ‘Establishment’ on unseemly behaviour; he was seen as fundamentally subversive. Has this dimension survived into Christianity, or has it been effectively laundered ?
Joseph Fitzpatrick looks carefully at the former Cardinal Ratzinger’s theological views and sees little to encourage those who put their hopes in Vatican II.
Joseph Fitzpatrick
See above under Simon Bryden-Brook.
The 1997 Aquinas Lecture given in Glasgow and organised by the Dominican Community there.
One of the Lenten talks on the Deadly Sins given at Blackfriars, Cambridge, 1999. Together with Edmund Hill’s on Pride this both forms a witty and yet deeply insighted understanding of human behaviour and human relationships.
In this talk, also originally given at one of the Dominican Seminars (New Year 1997), we are presented with Islam’s understanding of the rôle and personality of Mary. We are left with open-ended comments on the possibility of any real ‘ecumenical’ exchange. Jonathan Gorski [DJP]
One of the Assunta Kirwan Memorial Lectures in which Rabbi Gorski shows us how close the Jewish and Christian traditions are to each other with regard to how social contract reveals the nature and relationship of God.
Fascinating exegesis around the sexuality of Sarah and Abraham, and its significance for our understanding of sexuality today.
The 1998 Las Casas lecture at Blackfriars, Oxford. Published and subsidised by the Dominican Justice and Peace Commission.
Owen Hardwicke
This address was presented to the AGM of the Newman Association in 2003. It is concerned with the nature of the Christian ministry and apostleship, deploring the way in which the Church has divided into clergy and laity – the former running it, the latter just called on to ‘obey’.
Another talk given to the North Cheshire and Manchester Newman Association, in the “Spirit” series.
Another chapter (along with the following entry) from this radical theologian and freedom fighter’s forthcoming autobiography.
In 1968 the Vatican issued an encyclical from Pope Paul VI entitled Humanae Vitae which declared, contrary to all the advice he had received, that the use of contraception was intrinsically sinful. This has not been ‘received’ by the Church and has largely been forgotten. Fr Hardwicke (who was never sacked from his position, he assures us) was one of those chiefly involved in the protest against this encyclical. He was one of the signatories of the notorious letter to the Times which did in fact cause many sackings. The author at the time got involved with considerable correspondence, both with fellow priests in difficulties of conscience, and with the authorities. He has kept all these letters and thirty years later can reassess the whole affair. He is not just looking back but enquiring as to what effect this whole incident had on the Church’s awareness of itself. It shows, I thin, quite clearly, how the Pope’s attempt not to undermine papal authority – which would seem to have been his main motive – has had precisely that effect. This was in fact the prelude to a much larger book which shows the quality of this priest’s witness to the Gospel; it has been published by The Columba Press, Blackrock, Ireland, under the title of Living Beyond Conformity. Giles Hibbert O.P.
A talk to be given to the Newman Association on 4th February 2006. After initially rejecting “Tridentine Worship, Tridentine Theology and Tridentine Discipline” with the comment “No thank you! I’d rather have Christianity” the author seeks a way to find their replacement. This is attempted through a commentary on the Kyrie Eleison, asking who is this ‘Lord’ and ‘Christ’ to whom we are appealing, and what exactly is it that we seek from him. Throughout, the theme in the background is “Mercy and Truth have come together, Justice and peace have kissed” (Ps 85.)
This stimulating malapropism stands, of course, for a rejection of the notorious “Syllabus of Errors”, and is subtitled “A Twentieth Century Catholic’s Credo”. Here is what the author believes; and also believes is at the heart of Catholic faith.
Giles Hibbert O.P.
The famous (or notorious) ontological argument rather than being treated as a philosophical problematic is seen in the context of, and seen to be an actual part of, the prayer life of Anselm and his monks at Bec in the disruptive and revolutionary years of the eleventh century.
A talk given originally at Aston University, this examines the nature of Aristotle’s ‘realism’ and shows how Thomas Aquinas used his insights to ‘ground’ the spiritual theology of Augustine which he inherited and thus produce a consistent theology of the Incarnation and of human nature in relationship to God.
A talk given at St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, York, it examines the “Ascent of the Soul to God” as it developed in Augustine’s thought through the Confessions and the De Trinitate.
Giles Hibbert O.P.
A lecture, developed in Sheffield, and later given to the Manchester Newman Association, it examines the “Sermon on the Mount” seen in the context of its living Judaic history. In particular the Beatitudes are reinterpreted, not as a list of virtues receiving reward, but as the proclamation of the Good News to those whom God has chosen and on whom he bestows his mercy and his love. The consequence of this ‘choice’, expressed in the Beatitudes themselves, is the call to share not only in the life of God, but in the Messianic work of Christ himself – in effect an essay in Biblical Liberation theology. This 2nd edition is a rewrite as the result of lecturing and preaching experience in several different cultures – notably the Caribbean, and the Mount of the Beatitudes itself in the Holy Land. (Now also published by CCC.)
A talk, given as part of a Lenten series in Sheffield, on the nature of the Church. The covenantal relationship between Yahweh and his People and its development throughout the Old Testament is presented as the living context for the coming of Christ. This is the shared life of Jesus and his disciples which has to go into the death of the Cross in order to triumph over death in the Resurrection. The faith of the Church, indeed the reality of the Church, is seen as this living history inspired by the ruah – the breath – of God. Giles Hibbert O.P.
George Eliot is usually considered as someone who, after an evangelical start, rejected Christianity in favour of humanism. This hardly does justice to her intelligence and the depth of her thinking. From what, it is suggested, is a real understanding of, and ultimately commitment to Christianity, here in The Mill on the Floss through the literary development of the narrative, the author gives a profound critique of the limitations of “The Imitation of Christ” which has unfortunately had such a strong influence on the practice of Christianity.
Giles Hibbert O.P.
The first contribution to a series of talks given to the Newman Association (Manchester & North Cheshire Circle) in the 1997/8 programme, in which the history of linguistics and alphabetics is brought to bear on current misconceptions and complications with regard to what Jubilee should mean. The first of the “Social Justice and Environment” series.
This is the text of the address given at the Newman Association AGM 1993, and has already been published in earlier numbers of The Nemwan (issued to all members of the Association.) It sets out to show how, unless the Eucharist is seen in its full context as emerging out of the many Messianic and liberation traditions of the Old Testament, it is always in danger of degenerating into a type of magical ritual, presenting us with a false rather than a real presence of God.
Giles Hibbert O.P.
The story is told of the curate who, whilst the parish priest was away, allowed a wedding party to serve wine to those present in the church who were not going on to the reception. On return the parish priest heard about this and remonstrated with the curate. The Curate appeals to the wedding feast of Cana, to which the Parish priest replies: “That’s all very well, but the real presence wasn’t there then.” The story may be only apocryphal but it well illustrates the misunderstanding and distortion which has developed with regard to, and has settled on, our theology of the ‘eucharistic presence’. This paper explores these dimensions and insists on the need to develop a liturgy which, seeing itself as proclamation, combines the concepts of epic and drama to make God’s presence real – a difficult task within a culture which has substituted allegory for poetry and the fantastical for drama, and which leaves us with something very akin to a ‘conjuring’ trick.
Another talk developed for St Bede’s, York and presented at Trinity and All Saints College, Leeds, for the quatercentenary celebration of St John of the Cross by the Spanish Department. It stresses the importance from a theological point of view of the poetry of St John and relates this to the limitations inherent in his ‘scholastic’ interpretation of it – so frequently presented as ‘his teaching’.
Giles Hibbert O.P.
Keynote address given at the Student Cross (50th anniversary) Conference at Swanwick, Derbyshire, June 1998. The subtitle adequately describes its contents. [Student Cross is the annual cross-carrying pilgrimage to Walsingham, Norfolk, during Holy Week and, on arrival, the celebration of the Resurrection by about 200 who have walked about 125 miles on different ‘Legs’ from London, Oxford, the Midlands, the North &c.]
Giles Hibbert O.P.
This presentation of the tension between the Church and the Gospel oks at whether the Church has, in its passage through time, departed dically from the Gospel or whether this is in fact simply the result the way in which we currently conceive and understand ‘the Church’. spite a critique which often comes close to despair there is nevertheless timism here.
Giles Hibbert O.P.
Another talk given to the North Cheshire and Manchester Newman Association, in the “Spirit” series, in which the question is asked as to whether so much Christian practical belief is not rather tritheistic than monotheistic. This question is brought to bear on to how this might affect our relations to Jews and Moslems.
This talk, given to the Manchester and North Cheshire Newman Circle, is based in part upon material originally used at a conference in Cardiff in 1995. As well as examining the origins of the Biblical and Classical concepts of Truth and seeing how, in their interrealtion, they have come to determine our present understanding of it, that talk examined critically many of the presuppositions held for the most part by Catholics with regard to where truth is to be found. It suggested that many of the traditional claims were in fact hollow, and represented more a betrayal of the truth than its manifestation. At that original meeting there were a vociferous number of those who think that all truth, and nothing but truth, is to be found in Catholic practice and that there is effectively no salvation outside the Roman Communion and adherence to it. Both the main speakers were staunch advocates of a quite different outlook and there were some bad moments during the discussions which followed, and resignations from the Associaion were to occur later. In this version many of the ideas expressed in the earlier part of the original talk have been clarified, and the whole later part – concerning the validity, or invalidity, of many ‘Catholic’ claims with regard to the embodiment of Truth – has carefully been re-written with emphasis on the nature of tradition, where truth can be said to be living or lying dormant. The intervening period of thought and discussion has been valuable for the increased witness now given to the original powerful, if somewhat too emotional, statement.
Giles Hibbert O.P./Edmund Hill O.P.
This was originally a talk by Edmund Hill, which was given to an Anglican Theological College, and concerned the establishment of Roman supremacy and took the history of the Papacy up to just before the reformation. To a large extent it is a sad story. Giles Hibbert took on the task of extending this view of the Papacy from the Reformation to the present day, showing the extent to which papal doctrine and practice has been to such a large extent dependent upon conservative and ultra-conservative politics rather than anything to do with the Gospel.
A talk given under Dominican Discussion Group (Manchester) auspices concerning the eschatological bearing of Creation.
This talk, originally given at a Lay Dominican Conference in Glasgow, examines the relation between the Creator and particularly his ‘intelligent’ creation (human beings) with particular reference to the texts of Genesis and of Job.
“The concept of the ‘Father God’ is not a biblical one, but a more recent historical developmenr, brought to light and given prominence by the current feminist movement – it is to be found nowhere in the Bible.” The author demonstrates this thesis by examining the biblical words Elohim, Adonai and Abba.
Explaining the difference between the abstruse languages: “Apocalyptish” and “Descriptish/Scientifish” or “Journalistish/Historish”, which so many translators of the Bible seem to ignore, the author presents the dramatic and symbolic structure of this puzzling work. He shows how it contains a theology of our salvation which is comprehensive and inclusive – one that cannot really afford to be ignored.
Here we have described and distinguished the two vocations: ‘personal’ and ‘public’ of Augustine – his desire for ‘monastic’ quiet and his being called, against all his wishes, to be a bishop. We are shown how he answered these conflicting ‘calls’. Important lessons for the modern day emerge from this.
Here we are shown the greatness of Augustine in his use of Scripture and the way in which he presented it to the public – his flock.
With considerable time space between them these two papers nevertheless compliment one another, showing how Augustineˆs theological concept of the Trinity affected his appreciation of the social implications of the Gospel.
This talk, given to an audience in Manchester at the beginning of Lent 1995, is based on many of the ideas (and the scholarship) presented in his excellent book Ministry and Authority in the Catholic Church (London 1988). The bulk of it examines the Biblical texts concerned with Peter’s authority and vocation – its limitations as well as its strength. It then proceeds to comment on the way in which the exercise of Papal authority has so often failed to live up to the biblical inspiration. Not a substitute for reading Ministry and Authority! but a good introduction to its riches.
Given in Cambridge, 1997. It not surprisingly concentrates on the Psalms. Examination of the
This talk was part of a series on the Deadly Sins, given at Blackfriars, Cambridge, during Lent 1999. It show all the wit, scholarship and intelligence associated with this author.
Another of the ‘Social Justice and the Environment’ lectures to the Newman Association (Manchester & North Cheshire Circle), this talk looks at the origin of the concept of ‘tenting’ in the Old Testament, removes some of the confusion caused in this area by problems of vocabulary, and applies it to our concept of social justice in the world today.
In the light of recent scholarship the temptation scene in the Garden of Eden is re-examined in these two talks which originated at the Dominican New Year Seminars in North London, and a surprising depth of theological meaning – likely to undermine many of our habitual pre-suppositions – is revealed. The second of these two titles is published posthumously, and is ironically subtitled: “Is Death Natural?”
Hans Küng
Published originally by Catholics for a Changing Church in 1986 this address is as relevant today as it was when it was first given – indeed more so since more and more people are beginning to realise that a fundamental reform of the Church along the lines delineated here by Proffessor Küng is necessary if the Church is to be true to its vocation. The title in itself indicates the argument. (Produced for CCC in this new edition by Blackfriars Publications.)
The basic theme is that of the dangers of confusing faith and nationalism and exploring the way towards the possibilities of a new and enlightened Europe is equally, but in greater depth, the concern of this article, which was first published in New Blackfriars. It has been specifically republished for the Peace Preaching Course (Blackfriars, Oxford) but is well worth appearing in our general catalogue.
Respected theologian Professor Lash takes issue with Vatican attacks on the Alberigo five-volume History of Vatican II, arguing that the Church has failed to live up to the promises of the sixties.
Written for the Peace Preaching Course (See below under Roger Ruston, How the Gospel was First Preached.)
Six articles by notable theologians/economists discussing from various different angles whether the Open Market ideology is consistent with Christian Moral principles. (The answer is that it isn’t! - but this answer is carefully spelled-out and presented.)
This talk was published to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Thomas Merton. Whilst Merton is mainly remembered as a guru of spirituality, this work presents another, and by no means less important, side of him – his role as an embryonic liberation and peace theologian. His spirituality was in no way escapist or simply ‘other worldly’ but rooted in a social and political sensibility with regard to the nature of the Christian Church.
This is, I’m afraid, no longer available, but might be obrainable through The Jubilee Group, 48 North-ampton Road, Croydon, CR0 7HT
A paper given to the Dominican Seminar at London Colney, New Year 1999. Comparison of parables from these two closely allied but differing traditions throws much light on how the parables of Jesus are to be correctly understood.
This beautiful Old English poem is presented in a translation which attempts to convey its spiritual impact to the modern reader. The history of the context of the development of a ‘devotion’ to the cross, going back to the emperor Constantine, is explained and its theology illustrated by the poem itself. The strength of this theology is shown to lie in the poetry as such and in our appreciation of its nuances.
A presentation of the authentic and attributed letters of Paul (including 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus.) Each letter has a simple introduction indicating time and place of composition and the arguments involved. There follow paraphrases, cited by chapter and verse. For the “busy reader”? Perhaps. But certainly for those who want to know more about Paul and his understanding of Jesus as the Christ, and yet are not able to devote the time that serious and systematic study would involve.
In the same manner as in the work above this companion volume
covers ‘The Epistle to the Hebrews’, the ‘Catholic Epistles’: James,
Jude, the Peters and the Johns, and finally the Apocalypse or Book
of Revelation.
This is designed as an aid to those attempting to read and follow the ancient Syriac versions of New Testament scripture. It presents the Peschitta version – a translation from the Greek made in Edessa in the V Cent. It presumes no prior knowledge of Syriac in the reader. It is, as it were, a starter’s kit, and hopes to complement primers and grammars of Syriac by offering a detailed insight into a living piece of writing for those learning the language. Gareth Moore [DJP]
The 1998 Las Casas lecture at Blackfriars, Oxford. Published and subsidised by the Dominican Justice and Peace Commission. Gareth Moore contrasts the attitude to music in the ancient Classical world, and, relying heavily on the Psalms, that of the Biblical/Christian Tradition.
A talk delivered to the Newman Association Bath Circle at the Ammerdown Cwntre, which starts by drawing attention to the way in which the theology of St Augustine has systematically been misunderstood and misrep-resented by failing to apppreciate that his De Trinitate is not so much a doctrinal work as the further exploration of Augustine’s conversion and search for God. This leads to the development of a much more ‘bodily’, and indeed sensual spirituality than that normally associated with Augustine, and of which our present age is considerably in need.
A paper delivered to the Dominican Seminar at London Colney, January 1996. Recent scholarship has placed a new emphasis on consideration of the act of reading. The reader brings to a text experience of a whole range of other texts which influence the way in which the reading is done. The texts placed together in the Bible as we have it can be related to one another in a way that may owe little to the intention of the first author. This raises questions about the priority of the historical understanding of the Bible as it has been established over the past hundred years.
James O’Connell, now emeritus, but famous for many years as Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University,
Mary O’Driscoll, who lectures at the Angelicum University in Rome, and is responsible for its ecumenical department, has made a specialist study of this great feminine (feminist?) saint – Yes, feminist in that she is not prepared to confine her piety, holiness, witness, confrontation... to the ‘accepted’ female role – the accepted role of her time and culture. A refreshing – and stimulating – new light on this great figure, which brings out, more than most presentations of her, the politico/ecclesial nature of her calling.
This Reprint from Priest & People takes a new look at an old doctrine, showing how important the idea of Purgatory is once shorn of its baroque devotional appendages – it is an expression of our solidarity with one another in Christ.
Subtitled “How to do Theology”, this is in effect a new, and at the same time both witty and scholarly, presentation of Newman’s views on the Immaculate Conception, and in relation to this his agreement and disagreement with traditional Dominican teaching. It was originally an Aquinas Lecture given in Glasgow in 2004.
An acute and up to date examination of the Catholic tradition of sexual morality and its serious distortions. Another Catholics for a Changing Church Publication.
Fabian was attending a Eucharistic celebration at a side altar in a great abbey in the south of France, not long after Easter. The decor around him was a cricifix and a pietà - both very fine. But what of the Resurrection, Fabian thought? Have we forgotten it completely? These thoughts developed into a talk he gave to the Lay Dominicans in Glasgow; and here it is in the Blackfriars Publications theology section Timothy Radcliffe [DJP]
In this talk given in honour and memory of Assunta Kirwan O.P. Timothy Radcliffe argues that, even in the most trivial circumstances, truth is always better than falsity.
Reprinted from New Blackfriars (November 1983) this is a fresh and challenging look at this perennial favourite, showing up its complexity and current significance in a startling new way.
Both very suitable for the general public – especially those interested in the Dominican and/or similar apostolates.
An examination of what it means both for us and for Jesus to be human beings. Psalm 8 is examined in itself, in the interpretation of St Paul and that of the Epistle to the Hebrews and after some brilliant theological insights derived from perceptive ‘lateral thinking’ we are shown how human ‘interiority’ is not so much what goes on inside us as what is visible in our faces. (Reprinted from New Blackfriars February (1983.)
A layperson’s presentation of the Dominican vocation. An address given to the international gathering of Lay Dominicans at Fognano (Italy) in 2003. Christopher Rowland [DJP]
A very exciting and stimulating presentation of the style and original context of the Apocalypse (Book of Revelation). With many coloured illustrations Professor Rowland appeals to Blake, as well as the cartoons of Steve Bell, to give this exciting communication, in which he argues that we cannot, as so often, just ignore this work. Indeed it honours Assunta Kirwan O.P. in whose memory it was given.
First of a series of papers prepared for the Peace Preaching Courses. (For information about these courses contact: Barbara Eggleston, Peace Preaching Course, c/o Blackfriars, Oxford OX1 3LY.)
The author shows us how different the Biblical concept of Justice is from what we have inhereted largely through the Greek tradition. It is concerned with peace, community and the sharing of life, not with such themes as retribution, vindictiveness or even “the balance of Justice”. Surely Christians should be aware of how far we have moved away from our sources.
Originally published in New Blackfriars, and republished as part of the Bristol Peace Preaching Course, this is a very powerful analysis of emotional response to war, military service and commemoration of the dead. It gives critical examination to the comparisons habitually made between war sacrifice and the sacrifice of Christ, often manipulated by the authorities for questionable ends. It particularly looks at the change in attitude brought about by the First World War massacres (making effective use particularly of the writings of Wilfred Owen) but shows how we are still in danger of being manipulated in a similar way.
A very powerful exploration into the history and current actuality of the way in which war is sacralised in our culture. It shows us the power that the myth of war as our acting on behalf of God holds over us, and the necessity of our understanding this if we are successfully to work for peace.
An interesting contribution to the historical understanding of the continuance of slavery under Christianity – especilly in this centennial context. Here we have both the ‘gooddies’ and the ‘baddies’ (including the artist who produced the cover design!)
This popular retreat-giver, writer and missionary, offers a vision for parishes in the next few decades, firmly based on the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and grass roots developments inspired by the Council.
The Las Casas Memorial Lecture given in London and Glasgow in November 1990. An account of the work of this great apostle of liberty and human dignity, and a critique of the current ‘colonialist’ policy of so much of the ‘Developed’ world to the ‘Third’. Published and subsidised by the Dominican Justice and Peace Commission.
A lively and practical paper on how to research and what to expect, originally delivered to the English Catholic History Group at Downside Abbey in 1994.
It has not seemed that there has been any real Catholic committment to Ecumenism - except that sort which tells other Christians to come and be Cathoilic “because we are the only ones who are right, who constitute the ‘Real Church’”. By contrast, this booklet, from the Ecumenical Officer of the Leeds diocese, expresses a very different attitude, one which encourages hope. It has already been bought in considerable quantities by the officials of a number of dioceses in the UK (England and Wales).
In this talk, given to the South Manchester Newman Association’s gathering in Wilmslow, 7th January 2008, the author shows his intention through his subtitle: “Is it a discredited approach that leads ultimately to greater segregation?” The complexity of the subject deserves such quality of enquiry as shown in this paper.
One of the Glasgow Aquinas Lectures (1998). A Presbyterian examines the effect of denominational schooling on the process (and progress) of Ecumenism.
A reprint of the Catholic Truth Society pamphlet of this delightful presentation of the Dominican spirit from within the context of its origins.
This was commissioned by the Jubilee Group and is published in association with them. It has an Introduction by Kenneth Leech. Matthew Fox has become a leading figure in the spiritual renewal movement and is well–known as the protagonist of ‘Creation Spirituality’. For many reasons, some of them of muddled origin and some seemingly manufactured, he is seen as a creative liberal theologian persecuted by an authoritarian and backward-looking Church. As a result, his views have not received the critical attention of progressive theologians that they need. Angela West opens up this situation to serious study, and subjects his bourgeois liberalism, pseudo-scholarship and obfuscation to a devastating examination. She thus opens the whole question up to a positive critique – important reading for all those interested in a spirituality of creation, politically and ecologically valid, leading us not backward into pseudo-orthodoxy, or a pseudo critique of it, but forward into the 21st century, in continuity with a past, justly represented and appreciated.
A very powerful examination of the sad weaknesses in the Church’s self-presentation which so damages its image and turns especially the young away.
Angela West
The prodigality of the son gives the parable its name; he spends all his inheritance in riotous living and is reduced to penury – kipping down with pigs and eating their fodder. The story, however, is all about the forgiveness of the father. But wasn’t this prodigality too?
The Aquinas lecture given in Glasgow, January 1995. Allan White, a specialist in Scottish Reformation history, examines the ideas of Nationhood involved in the Union between Scotland and England from the time of James VI & I, through the Hanoverian Settlement, to the present day, noting the assumptions being made – and the contradictions. In an almost terrifying final section he examines the dangers of confusing faith and nationalism and points us towards the possibilities of a new and enlightened Europe.
Originally the Introduction to a book of Dominican Obituaries which analyses the historical development of the sense of Mission and the Preaching of the Gospel.
Aquinas’s reply to a student, who wrote him asking how to study, is given here in the original and in English translation, but what is really of importance is Victor White’s commentary. In this he presents us with one of the most coherent and sympathetic accounts of Thomas’s theory of knowledge and understanding, together with much of the ‘vision’ which made his life coherent – not a mean feat for twenty pages!
The ‘Five Ways’ or the five Proofs of God’s Existence – as they have so often been misrepresented – may not be much of a burning issue these days, but the question as to whether God’s existence can or cannot be ‘demonstrated’ is still real, as are the implications of this sort of approach to him. The author considers the whole background of Aquinas’s outlook on this subject and throws light on the question that reaches far beyond the ‘Ways’ themselves.
The reprint of two chapters from God the Unknown by the leading Dominican theologian of the immediate post war years – an expert on Thomas Aquinas and a personal friend of Jung. He ranks with Congar, Chenu and Rahner amongst those who were preparing the way for the great manifestation of the Spirit within the Catholic Church which emerged in the II Vatican Council. Much of his thinking is in no way dated, and these works show how clearly his influence lay behind the flowering and vitality of English Dominican theology which has followed.
Noted scholar Dr John Wijngaards takes a mercilessly critical look at the absurd arguments advanced by the Vatican against women’s leadership in the Church.
Rowan Williams
At the time of writing this Williams was Bishop of Monmouth, both pastor and theologian. He here presents an Anglican view of the claims and seeming pretensions of the Papacy and sketches out a possible path for further ecumenical progress. One of the Michael Richards Memorial lectures (1997) organised by The Pelican Trust, and published by Catholics for a Changing Church (Q.v.)
Faced with modern findings and our current understanding of the origins of the Cosmos the idea of God ascreator seems more than problematical. With the help of insights from the great medieval mystic Meister Eckhart, Richard Woods shows in this paper, originally given as one of the Otto Shults Lectures in New York, how in our puzzlement we are often simply asking the wrong sort of question.
Another Otto Shults Lecture from New York, which forms a companion volume to Cosmos & Mystery.
In the context of the early and patristic Church’s distrust and dismissal of women Fr Woods shows the strength of the contribution of a whole series of medieval women mystics to the spirituality and theology of the Church.
Reprinted from New Blackfriars this paper explores the relevance of narrative to preaching.
This is sub-titled: A Dominican Comment on the ‘Discovery’ and Exploitation of the New World. “In 1992 the greater part of the ‘civilised’ world celebrated the fifth centenary of the ‘discovery’ of America, though there were a few discordant voices pointing out that it never needed discovery and that what followed this ‘discovery’, and continues to this day is not its civilisation so much as its exploitation and destruction.” During this celebratory year the Dominican Order gathered together delegates from all its Provinces to elect a new head, the Master of the Order, and to plan its policy for effectively preaching the Gospel from now until the early years of the Twenty First Century. This meeting was in Mexico, and it is hardly surprising that this assembly gave considerable attention to the history of its role in the New World during the last five hundred years and to the lessons which can be drawn from it for today. “The Dominican Order has been associated in years long past with the iniquities of the Inquisition. In the document which follows – Ch.9 of the official Acts of the General Chapter 1992, republished here with the Master’s permission – one can see this reputation being redressed, both in history, with such important Christian witnesses and humanists as Antonio de Montesinos and Bartolomé de Las Casas, and in the current ideals and efforts of the Order. It was felt that others, outside the immediate Dominican Family [as well as many within it], would welcome this extract from its Proceedings [Acts of the Chapter], and this is the spirit in which this edition is published.”
Also
Also available:
• Damien Byrne O.P. The Apostolic Priorities of the Order & Evangelisation and the Lay Dominicans. • Ann Walsh O.P., Evangelisation in the 1990s – a Woman’s Perspective; Ian Gardner, Justice and Peace; J. L. Bruguès O.P., The Challenge of ‘Inculturation’; Samantha Rhydderch, The Rosary as a means of Communication.
Each volume: £1.25Also:
Back numbers, singly or in bulk, available at: £1.25
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