In Joseph Ratzinger’s Theological Ideas: Wise Cautions and Legitimate Hopes, Jim Corkery SJ traces the development of the man once nicknamed the Vatican Rotweiler, from the small Bavarian boy born on Easter Sunday 1927 who was moved from village to village as a child because of his father’s antipathy to the Nazi regime, through his adulthood as priest, professor, pastor, and finally Pope. He explores the tensions experienced by Joseph Ratzinger that were important in shaping his theological ideas as well as tensions that have arisen from the relationship between Church authority and academic freedom.

Among the many strands in Christian spirituality one of the most enduing over the past four hundred years bears the name of St Ignatius of Loyola. Today Ignatian spirituality is attracting followers from across the range of Christian denominations and from every walk of life. Even those who are unchurched can appreciate its open sensitive approach to the human person. Ignatian Spirituality is written simply and clearly, avoiding polemics but introducing readers to a rich heritage that will nourish and encourage. It is beautifully designed and illustrated, appealing to the senses and imagination as much as to the understanding.

Approximately eighty-five million meetings occur every day. It is clear from this figure that meetings are highly important – they shape our world. The Spirit works in every group, and as Christian participants at meetings we must go beyond passivity and place ourselves at the service of the Spirit. In meetings, we can act as the Spirit’s voice, becoming a still point, a prayerful and reflective presence.