I’m reading Joseph Ratzinger’s new book Jesus of Nazareth and have just finished the forward and am into the introduction. The book is not a slow read in the sense of a poorly written book…rather it is a slow read in the sense of how deliberately theological it is. The forward discusses Ratzinger’s exegetical methodology for the book’s research – he uses a combination of the historical-critical method and canonical criticism. He talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the historical-critical method and about how, ultimately, scripture can only be fully understood when approached from a position of faith.

 

The book is his response to the last thirty years worth of historical pictures of Christ that have been incomplete and in many ways heretical reflections of the people who have constructed them. Ratzinger’s stated goal is:

 

 

This is not the work of some pop-religion author spilling out a vast, unorganized grouping of thoughts on a particular subject but the work of a keen theological mind that has diligently researched, focused, prayed over and agonized about the subject matter.

 

I can guarantee you I will not agree with all of his persepctives but so far, so good. I will keep you posted.