Louvain Studies

Introduction

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:30:11 GMT

Introduction

John and the Synoptics

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:31:42 GMT

This paper outlines the problem of the relationship between John and the Synoptics as seen by modernity�s 'historico-critical' approach to exegesis. It then revisits the issues through examples of how the Fathers addressed them, and suggests that in the post-modern context we might learn from them. Focussing on the Gospels� historicity may have been a category mistake; it does, however, privilege the challenge of the �other� and enables the distinguishing of four portraits of one to whom there must be a plurality of spiritual responses.

Priesthood in Persona Christi

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:33:53 GMT

This article reflects on the sacramentality of the priesthood, and, in particular, the sign-value of the person of the priest acting �in persona Christi�. Conclusions are drawn regarding the reasons why all priests should embrace ongoing formation, and the need for the ongoing formation of the presbyterium to be considered as a fifth �focus� for ongoing priestly formation, alongside the four foci (personal, intellectual, spiritual, pastoral) identified in Pastores Dabo Vobis.

The Critical Realism of Benjamin B. Meyer

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:35:32 GMT

Fr. Collins has often mentioned his admiration for the work of the scripture scholars Ben Meyer (d. 1995) and N.T. Wright (b. 1948). Indeed, Wright has acknowledged the important influence on his own work of Meyer, particularly Meyer�s approach to hermeneutics. This paper explores the life and work of Ben F. Meyer, contextualizing his writings within the flow of modern biblical scholarship, of which he was both a consummate practitioner and a trenchant critic. The paper also discusses Meyer�s �critical realist� approach to history and interpretation, for which he was especially indebted to the philosophy of Bernard Lonergan (d. 1984) and his masterworks �Insight� (1957) and �Method in Theology� (1972).

Narrative Art and Narrative Criticism

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:37:51 GMT

This interdisciplinary article seeks to analyse the critical interrelationship between narrative art and narrative criticism. Using the multidisciplinary tools of composition, focalization and characterization, we will place Raphael�s Transfiguration, alongside the biblical text: Luke 9:28-45. Blurring the distinction between the visual and the verbal text will enable us to analyse the differing layers of meaning underlying each text. Narrative art is a complex and subtle reading of the text. It seeks to offer a new perspective and an amplification of the text. The artist employs focalization to explore the characterisation of the figures within the text. Narrative Criticism uses focalization as a means to concentrate upon the interpretation and definition of character. This is one of the pivotal meeting points between narrative criticism and narrative art.

Wisdom, Perseverance and Humility

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:39:30 GMT

Ben Sira inculcates three virtues that are still relevant for Christians today: openness to wisdom (Sir 1:1-10), acceptance of testing (2:1-18), and humility of heart (3:17-24). Whereas human beings may search for wisdom, it is God who reveals it, though we can grasp only a small part of it. Those who seek God will face the hardship of testing, but all who persevere will be rewarded. Just as students need a receptive attitude to benefit from lessons, so those wanting to learn divine wisdom will need humility.

Wisdom, Understanding and the Catholic University

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:41:12 GMT

This paper is a revised version of a lecture given in Harare, in 1999, to celebrate the birth of the Catholic University in Zimbabwe. Criteria are considered by which to test whether, in any particular time and place, the educational character of Christianity, as a 'school of discipleship', should seek expression in the form of a Catholic university, and what the factors are which make it appropriate to describe an educational institution as a 'university'. The history of the university is briefly sketched and it is proposed that the specific purpose of a Catholic university is to serve the cause of wisdom.

The Jewish People and the Unity of the Church

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:42:37 GMT

In this essay, we look at the developments in the last seventy years that are restoring to Catholic reflection on the Church an awareness of the importance of a distinctively Jewish component. It examines the pre-conciliar stirrings, the debates and texts of the Second Vatican Council, post-conciliar developments, official and unofficial, including the rise of explicity Jewish confessions of faith in Jesus, the Messiah and Lord. The essay argues for the necessity of the universal Church becoming once again the Church from the Jews and the Church from the nations.

Book Reviews

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:42:57 GMT

Book reviews

Index to Volume 33

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:44:00 GMT

Index

Books Received

poj@peeters-leuven.be — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:44:11 GMT

Books received