Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life

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What can I say? It’s Pope Benedict, one of the best theologians of all time.

Let me first explain how I am familiar with this book. I have been a member of a discussion group meeting monthly for over a year to discuss chapters of Ratzinger's Eschatology. I myself have written extensive summaries of his discussion of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. As a result, I feel that I know this book very well.Ratzinger's approach is historical, dialogical, and, more important, fundamentally christological and interpersonalist, to use the proper theological terms. Translating this into "layman's" terms, what Ratzinger does is consider that every religious term (e.g., "God,""soul," "immortality," "heaven," "hell," "resurrection") develops its meaning over time (by historical evolution), beginning with the OT, continuing in the NT, and through tradition to the present day. This historical evolution (after the NT) occurs primarily through learned discussion (and disagreement) about interpretations (i.e., dialogically or by dialogue, i.e. discussion, usually written). There is no meaning of these terms established forever in the Bible. So what "soul" meant to the early Christians might be very different from what we mean by it today. Ultimately, terms need to be reinterpreted to make sense to contemporaries. Although Ratzinger covers his tracks well through vague, convoluted, and obscure language, what he actually thinks is very different from what the ordinary Christian believes. Heaven, e.g., Ratzinger explicitly says is not a place. Neither is Hell or Purgatory. So, they are not places anyone goes to. So what are they? They are relationships we (human beings) have to Christ and to one another. "Heaven" is be interpreted christologically and interpersonally, i.e. it is to be explained by our relationship to Christ and through Christ to one another. We are heaven, he says.People who read the book carefully will find it shocking. Pretty much all one's cherished beliefs are tossed out the window.....through reinterpretation. Forget personal survival; forget going to a place that is heaven. Not so, according to Ratzinger. But, how then, if he has these views, could he be the pope? How could this be true? Well, he was elected pope because he is conservative on moral issues (e.g., abortion, homosexuality, and radical social movements) and on the liturgy. Also, he will continue to use the traditional language of Catholicism. So his private theological views won't come out to make waves.By the way, I have a PhD and found this book tough slogging. Ratzinger is not clear and his writings could use a lot of editing. Having said that, I want to make it clear that I share many of his views. I just want potential readers to be forewarned that they won't be getting what they expect.

I bought this book for an undergrad "Intro to World Religions" course thesis. The book was unavailable in the local library system (Cleveland, OH) so I bought it off Amazon. it was a very interesting read on the views of the afterlife in Catholicism and the nature of the human soul as the church sees it. I used it a lot in my paper, the copy I purchased was donated to the local library after I finished the paper,

Note: Any references to Pope Benedict XVI as Joseph Ratzinger in this review are not meant to slight him, but only to refer to him in his ecclesial context when he wrote this book. Now on to the review:In "Eschatology ...", Joseph Ratzinger and Johann Auer lay forth a timely study in the "Last Things" according to a truly Catholic view point. While the text is an erudite, theological (and mildly philosophical) discussion of eschatology, it should not be viewed as being overwhelming for the reader. Anyone who has a true interest in the full foundation of Catholicism's stand on humanity's final destiny should read this.A great strength of the treatise is its reflection upon modern theological thoughts with respect to Catholic Tradition. While many readers may not know of the thinkers of the last two centuries by name, we all live in the world which has been effected by their thoughts. Ratzinger and Auer show where some of these thinkers have departed from the Christian notion of the end of time. This is not performed in a polemic fashion. Instead, each subject is shown in light of its Old Testament roots, through the New Testament, and into continuous Church Tradition. In doing this, the authors help to refine the philosophical and theological thoughts of the readers. They show the pitfalls inherent in various modes of thinking, allowing the reader to see the Truth more clearly.Perhaps the greatest strength, however, is not its theological erudition (in the pure sense). It is the fact that the text is soaked with the realization of Christianity as a religion of community. It emphasizes that we find our end in a Person, namely Christ and how this relates to all that we do in life.For any one who is interested in the Catholic response to questions on the final destiny of mankind, I truly suggest this text. No matter how difficult it may seem, stick with it (and reread when necessary). You will find that it is time well spent.

This is an excellent , hopeful book on life and death. It clearly articulates how our real life is in God and for this reason we should be forever joyful even when facing death.we are very fortunate to have someone as insightful as joseph ratzinger.may God hold him in the palm of his hand.tadhg mc tiernan

This book is amazing. It is well written and so well structured that it was a joy to read page after page. No other book on this topic is as clear and concise with all arguments explained. I loved it.

Ratzinger, Pope Benedict emeritus is the a superb in-depth but readable theologian. He never disappoints. Thankfully, his many writings are available in English

This book is enlightening and well worth the effort taken to read it. Intellectually challenging at times on a topic not commonly dealt with.

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