.jpeg){kind=small}
A small and handy summary of some modern Catholic theology. It is very wave-tops and does not delve into depth on any topic, but each of the selections are excerpted from Bishop Robert Barron's other works or talks, and are cited for those wishing to dive deeper. Some readers may find it the worst of both world, enough theology to rattle the brain, but not enough to really explain. Those with more familiarity with the ideas Bishop Barron raises may find it a reminder to carry for reference. For those really interested in a deep but understandable dive into theology, I strongly recommend Frank Sheed's Theology and Sanity. Perhaps reducing this to only a work of theology does not do it full credit; after all, Bishop Barron is about coaching his followers into becoming evangelists, but this work is still centered on ideas rather than how-to or techniques per se. Some highlights from Bishop Barron's Centered below:
the contents of this book are aligned with the Eight Principles of Word on Fire. These principles are: unwavering Christocentrism; evangelization of the culture; special commitment to the new media; rooted in the Mystical Body; leading with beauty; affirmative orthodoxy; collaborative apostolate; and grounding in the Eucharist. (p ii)
To be sure, Christians should never enter the public arena violently, aggressively, or in meanness of spirit for such a move would undermine the very principles we are endeavoring to propagate. But we should do so boldly and confidently, for we are not announcing a private or personal spirituality, but rather declaring a new King under whose lordship everything must fall. (p 17, emphasis in original)
The Resurrection is being presented here as an affirmation of Jesus to be sure, but also as a judgment on those who stood opposed to Jesus. St Peter holds it up as the surest sign possible that God stands athwart the injustice, stupidity, and cruelty of the world and its leaders. (p 27)
No country, leader, political party, culture, civilization, moral ideal, or rival god can compete with the one God. (p 53)
The Church is that society, that Mystical Body, in which people learn to see with the eyes of Christ and to walk the path that Christ walked. (p 57)
Jesus is not offering a doctrine, a theology, or a set of beliefs. He is offering himself: become my disciple; apprentice to me. (p 61)
In his love, God cannot allow his fallen world to remain in alienation; rather, he must do the hard work of drawing it back into communion. And this means that God is continually about the business of sacrifice. (p 64)
Adam and Eve at play freely in the field of the Lord represent humanity as God intended: intelligent, creative, engaged, joyfully alive. (p 74)
criticize someone precisely in the measure that you are willing to help that person deal with the problem that you have raised...one could be perfectly right in one's criticism, but morally wrong if that critique is not made in the real desire to ameliorate the problem. (p 88)
no vision or experience of God is ever given for the edification of the visionary; rather, it is given for the sake of mission. (p 104)
there is indeed a middle ground between violent imposition and bland subjectivizing indifference (p 109)
The principle is that the only meaningful statements are those that can be confirmed through empirical observation and experimentation; and yet, that very principle is not confirmable in such a manner. Where or how does one observe or experimentally verify the assertion that meaningfulness is reducible to that which can be observed through the senses? (p 131)
Overall a decent read, and a short one at that, but not amazing by any stretch. If Bishop Barron intended on more of a how-to-evangelize book, I would like to see him do a Catholic version of Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals. If it's theology, then there are also many other more meaty offerings. As a quick refresher or pocket daily reminder, I suppose it serves a purpose.