The Catholic Church seems to be in serious crisis - disfigured by scandals, divided by theological, cultural and political differences, retreating institutionally in many places, judged irrelevant by a culture that believes it has outgrown this kind of religious faith. Yet the number of practising Catholics increases each year, a growing membership that seeks to be well grounded spiritually, intellectually and pastorally. Many younger people are curious to know and experience traditional and historical realities. Thus, the need for an informed and reflective restatement of The Spirit of Catholicism has never been more urgent. In this clear and intelligible book, Vivian Boland presents the substance of Catholic belief and life, what the res catholica believes itself essentially to be. From its basis in the Bible, learning from key figures of Christian history, and in the full light of Pope Francis's missionary ethos, this account of Catholicism casts new light on familiar teachings, the treasure carried by this 'earthen vessel'. Neither apologetic nor controversial, it shows how embodiment is at the heart of Catholicism - Christ, Mary, sacraments, a historical institution. It shows how this body is structured and develops into a form of life marked by a special kind of fraternity and resulting in a particular presence in human history and society. Catholic teachings about Mary and the Eucharist, about hierarchy and authority, about spiritual life and pastoral care, about holiness and love, are presented in their deepest and fullest context: Christ as the Son of God and head of humanity, the Holy Spirit giving energy and new life, and the Father, the great love that awaits us.

How can an institution rocked by such scandal survive? The answer will be in its spirit, the treasure it carries.

About the Author
Vivian Boland OP is professor aggregatus in the Faculty of Theology at the Angelicum University in Rome. He taught at St Mary's University, Twickenham, and at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford and is author and editor of several books, including St Thomas Aquinas in the Bloomsbury Library of Educational Thought (2014).

Reviews
Overall, this book is a delight. Boland clearly enjoys his subject and takes great pleasure in handing on his knowledge and understanding of the Church. [...] A joy to read. [...] I hugely enjoyed this book, which is at once erudite and accessible, and offers a succinct yet lucid account of the Church's self-understanding both now and throughout history.[...] It will be a pleasurable and informative read for all. * The Tablet *
Dominican Father Vivian Boland...brings the expertise of a deft and thorough theologian to the topic. His is a dense volume with helpful insights. * The Central Minnesota Catholic *
This book would be at the top of a recommended reading list such is its scholarship, seen in its spectrum of scripture and selected theologians... This book embodies the scriptural, sacramental and spiritual energy for both participation and mission. * The Furrow *
[The Spirit of Catholicism] is a most remarkably rich progression of theological thinking, subject after subject dealt with in depth and precision, with awareness of the tradition as well as what is being thought about it in the contemporary work of theologians. And all of it being bound together with the thread of Catholicism. ... [Boland] has given us what I would like to call a positive Summa of all that is Catholic in the work of Christ and the Spirit in God's world. -- Liam Walsh OP, Vice-rector emeritus, University of Fribourg
'This wonderful volume may be tough going for those looking for a basic introduction to Catholicism. But for those who have some familiarity with Catholicism as well as those looking to deepen their knowledge and welcome fresh insights, Boland's Spirit of Catholicism is to be highly recommended without hesitation or reservation. * Doctrine & Life *



Book Information
ISBN 9781399414159
Author Vivian Boland OP
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Bloomsbury Continuum
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC