The Oxford Handbook of Catholic Theology

Lewis Ayres and Medi Ann Volpe have edited an elegant volume ... that is laudable for its clarity, thematic focus, and, surprisingly, succinctness ... This first edition ... is eminently recommendable for anyone entering the field of Catholic theology today and will certainly be a valuable reference work for anyone of any confession who is seeking to become acquainted with the lay of the land. * Peter J. Casarella, The Thomist: A Speculative Quarterly Review *
The Oxford Handbook of Catholic Theology is a valuable theological resource ... the Handbook provides many contextually sensitive, precise, and concise expositions of Catholic doctrine that will help readers to understand what the church teaches on a given topic and what the historical circumstances were that led to the formulation of that teaching. * Daniel Waldow, Newman Studies Journal *
Ayres (Durham Univ., UK) and Volpe (formerly, Emory Univ. and Durham Univ.) gathered an outstanding group of scholars to contribute to this volume. The 56 essays are divided into two parts. Part 1, "Catholic Teaching," provides an invaluable overview of the content of Catholic belief. ... Part 2, "Modern Catholic Theology," is divided into two subsections. The first, "Sources of Catholic Theology up to Vatican I," begins with essays on key patristic, monastic, and scholastic sources, and subsequent essays carry the history through the first Vatican Council. The second subsection, "Catholic Theology since 1870," provides a well-balanced introduction to contemporary Catholic theology. ... Combining reliable exposition with fresh insights and perspectives, this volume will be valuable to both beginning and advanced scholars. * J. Gresham, CHOICE *
The Oxford Handbook of Catholic Theology provides an encyclopaedic account of theology, soundly based in the Scriptures and Catholic history. It is a welcome addition to the prestigious series of Oxford Handbooks. * Fr Gerald O'Collins SJ, The Tablet *
A handbook is defined as a concise reference book. Though nearly a thousand pages, this handbook is in its own way concise and offers a sophisticated path into the labyrinth of scholarship on Catholic theology. The many perspectives offered by the contributors provide a truly Catholic look at theology. Readers will find an engaged discussion of many aspects of what it means to be part of a faith that is never only personal or private, and which emphasizes relationship with the living body of the Church and the world through the Holy Spirit. * Jennifer Bartholomew, Critical Reviews *
A TREASURY of insights is provided throughout this capacious one-volume introduction ... Multi-author volumes can be frustrating to read because of an inconsistency of style and approach; but every essay has been skilfully edited to a house style, and a uniform length of about 15 pages. My prediction is that it will probably be the best 15 pages you ever read on each subject. * Edward Dowler, Church Times *