Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, has been the most visible member of the Catholic clergy in the world second only to Pope John Paul II. His status as the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith made him one of the most discussed churchmen in recent history. On the occasion of Ratzingers's seventy-fifth birthday, his former students selected essays, lectures, letters, and conferences that Ratzinger has written in recent years- writing that they feel best represents his position on issues of theology, the modern world, secularism, non-Christian religious, and other key topics of the Catholic Church. This book, characterized by Ratzinger's concisely reasoned style, is an invaluable resource to those who wish to understand the modern Church and the thinking of Pope Benedict XVI, as well as a treasured volume for those who are students of Ratzinger's theology.

The History of the Church or company of those who by faith have received Christ and become His followers, is still in the making, not yet complete. On this account and because of its immense extent, although it is of supreme importance, parts only of it can be written and from time to time. First one, then another, must relate what he has seen or has learned from trustworthy records, and this must be taken up and added to as stage after stage of the long pilgrimage is traversed. The following pages are a contribution to the unfolding story.

There is today a dramatic reexamination of structure, authority, dogma -- indeed, every aspect of the life of the Church is held up to scrutiny. Welcoming this as a sign of vitality, Avery Dulles has carefully studied the writings of contemporary Protestant and Catholic ecclesiologists and sifted out six major approaches, or "models," through which the Church's character can be understood: as Institution, Mystical Communion, Sacrament, Herald, Servant, and, in a recent addition to the book, as Community of Disciples. A balanced theology, he concludes, must incorporate the major affirmations of each. "The method of models or types," observes Cardinal Dulles, "can have great value in helping people to get beyond the limitations of their own particular outlook and to enter into fruitful conversation with others... Such conversation is obviously essential if ecumenism is to get beyond its present impasses." This new edition includes a new Appendix and Preface by the author.

Memoir of a Pilgrim Preacher is the story of The Pilgrim Band Ministry – who founded it, how and why, and the adventures along the way. It is a story of the highs and lows of human experience, the search for identity, the struggle for survival, and the efforts employed to preserve the nation in righteousness. Come along for this journey! The journal entries reveal the man and his mission, the rise and might of The Pilgrim Band Ministry during the time period 1986 to 2007. From church member to preacher, to prophet of the nation - this is a story of dynamic potency and timely lessons for us all. This Christian Testimony is a True Inspirational Adventure In Faith: 1: The story is about a man battling through programming and wills of men to discover his true identity, calling, and niche in the kingdom of God and then to pursue that path to its fulfillment. 2: The story emphasizes the reality of the power that can be displayed through a man who knows his niche in the kingdom of God. 3: The story reveals the development of The Pilgrim Band Ministry and the work of preserving the nation in righteousness. 4: There is a reality to the intimacy between the man and his God from the day of salvation to this date, which is the source of the power for life and service. 5: The local church is a hothouse for speedy growth and refreshing fellowship, under the ministry of a man of God in the pulpit. 6: God gives a divine dream to each of us, and we must pursue it against all odds as we co-operate with God to see it fulfilled in our lives. 7: God can use Memoir of a Pilgrim Preacher to draw you closer to His bosom and fulfill all of His good purposes in your own life. Be Inspired! Get this book and be the best that you can be!