Letter and Spirit, vol. 2: The Authority of Mystery: The Word of God and the People of God

by Scott Hahn

Publisher:

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

, 2006

Overview

Letter and Spirit is a journal of Catholic biblical theology that seeks to foster a deeper conversation on Sacred Scripture. It aims to address many questions surrounding the Bible, including

• What is it?
• Where does it come from?
• How should you read it?
• What claim should it make in your life, on the teaching and practice of the Church, or the world you live in?

Letter and Spirit, vol. 2: The Authority of Mystery: The Word of God and the People of God combines the historical and literary contexts of Scripture with its contemporary ecclesial and liturgical significance. It includes numerous articles, and notes relating to Bible study and interpretation, as well as book reviews. Whether you’re a student, pastor, or priest, you will appreciate the insights this journal provides on the various topics surrounding Scripture.

In the Logos edition, The Authority of Mystery: The Word of God and the People of God is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Explores the power and meaning of the divine liturgy
• Focuses on the relationship between the word of God and the people of God
• Illustrates the connection between how the Bible is read and how Jesus’ identity is understood

Contents

• Articles
  • “Vatican II on the Interpretation of Scripture,” by Avery Cardinal Dulles
  • “Inspiration and Incarnation: The Christological Analogy and the Hermeneutics of Faith,” by Mary Healy
  • “The Use of Scripture in the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” by John C. Cavadini
  • “Theologia Prima: The Liturgical Mystery and the Mystery of God,” by David W. Fagerberg
  • “The Lord’s Prayer and the New Exodus,” by Brant Pitre
  • “The Authority of Mystery: The Biblical Theology of Benedict XVI,” by Scott W. Hahn
• Notes
  • “’The Lord Will Accomplish His Word’: Paul’s Argumentation and Use of Scripture in Romans 9:24–29,” by Pablo T. Gadenz
  • “A Liturgical Approach to Hebrews 13,” by James Swetnam
• Tradition and Traditions
  • “The Ladder from Earth to Heaven,” by Guigo II
  • “The Word, Scripture, and Tradition,” by Hans Urs von Balthasar
  • “The Sacraments and the History of Salvation,” by Jean Cardinal Daniélou
  • “The Kingdom of God and the Heavenly-Earthly Church,” by Christoph Cardinal Schönborn
• Reviews and Notices

Top Highlights

“Now reading is the diligent examination of Scripture with attentiveness of soul. Meditation is the studious action of the mind as it searches out the knowledge of hidden truth under the guidance of its own reasoning power. Prayer is the heart’s devout reaching out to God for the removal of evils or the acquisition of goods. Contemplation is a certain elevation above itself of the mind suspended in God, as it tastes the joys of eternal sweetness.” (Page 176)

“The Word—made flesh in Christ and spoken in the human language of Scripture—cannot be known or understood apart from the Church. All the interlocking organs of the Church’s tradition—apostolic succession, the canon, the rule of faith, the teaching office, the divine liturgy and sacraments—serve the Church’s mission of protecting and proclaiming the Word.” (Page 7)

“It is only the goal that gives meaning to the path” (Page 217)

“To swim’ is a verb and ‘swimmer’ is the noun. ‘To run’ is a verb and ‘runner’ is the noun. ‘Liturgy’ is a verb and ‘Christian’ is the noun. Liturgy is the activity of Christians, and Christians become what they do. My teacher, Aidan Kavanagh, also used to say ‘I don’t go to Mass because I’m Catholic, I’m Catholic because I go to Mass.’” (Page 58)

“From all this we can gather that reading without meditation is arid, meditation without reading is prone to error, prayer without meditation is tepid, meditation without prayer is unfruitful; prayer with devotion obtains contemplation, while to obtain contemplation without prayer is rare or miraculous.” (Page 185)

Product Details

• Title: Letter and Spirit, vol. 2: The Authority of Mystery: The Word of God and the People of God
• Editor: Scott W. Hahn
• Publisher: St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 248

About Scott Hahn

Scott Hahn, is the Fr. Michael Scanlan Professor of Biblical Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. Founder and President of the St. Paul Center, Dr. Hahn has been married to Kimberly since 1979; they have six children and twenty-one grandchildren. The author or editor of over forty popular and academic books, Dr. Hahn’s works include best-selling titles Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb’s Supper, Answering the New Atheism, Understanding Our Father, Scripture Matters, Spirit and Life, The Creed, It Is Right and Just, and Hope to Die. Holy Is His Name is the thirteenth book Dr. Hahn has published with Emmaus Road Publishing.