An Introduction to Vatican II as an Ongoing Theological Event

by Matthew Levering

Contemporary scholars often refer to "the event of Vatican II," but what kind of an event was it? In this first book of the new CUA Press series Sacra Doctrina , Matthew Levering leads his readers to see the Council as a "theological event"―a period of confirming and continuing God's self-revelation in Christ into a new historical era for the Church.

This is an introduction to Vatican II with a detailed summary of each of its four central documents―the dogmatic constitutions―followed by explanations of how to interpret them. In contrast to other introductions, which pay little attention to the theological soil in which the documents of Vatican II germinated, Levering offers a reading of each conciliar Constitution in light of a key theological author from the René Latourelle, SJ for Dei Verbum (persons and propositions); Louis Bouyer, CO for Sacrosanctum Concilium (active participation); Yves Congar, OP for Lumen Gentium (true and false reform); and Henri de Lubac, SJ for Gaudium et Spes (nature and grace).

This theological event is "ongoing," Levering demonstrates, by tracing in each chapter the theological debates that have stretched from the close of the council till the present, and the difficulties the Church continues to encounter in encouraging an ever deeper participation in Jesus Christ on the part of all believers. In this light, the book's final chapter compares the historicist (Massimo Faggioli) and Christological (Robert Imbelli) interpretations of Vatican II, arguing that historicism can undermine the Council's fundamental desire for a reform and renewal rooted in Christ. The conclusion addresses the concerns about secularization and loss of faith raised after the Council by Henri de Lubac, Joseph Ratzinger, and Yves Congar, arguing that contemporary Vatican II scholarship needs to take these concerns more seriously.

264 pages, Paperback

Published June 22, 2017

About the author

Matthew Levering (PhD, Boston College) is professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Ezra & Nehemiah in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. He is also coauthor of Holy People, Holy Land and Knowing the Love of Christ.

Reviews

[Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I don’t think it quite delivers on the title, this is an excellent read for students of theology seeking to evaluate how the Council itself and its key documents are interpreted and why they are of relevance today.
I was hoping for broader coverage both of the 4 Dogmatic Constitutions and how the Council is received today. Levering, however, decided to focus on just some of the more significant aspects of the documents & the Council’s reception. The quality what he does produce is, it must be noted, superb, and it’s likely that a broader treatment of comparable quality would likely double the length of the book! The quality of the footnotes and occasional pointers towards other parts of the debate are also excellent.
Levering’s last chapter on the respective priority of history and theology in our understanding of the Council’s teaching is especially worthwhile.
Highly recommended.

[TJ Jakubowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levering shows well how the constitutions of the council were formed, rejecting assertions of those who suggest that only historians can understand the council and illuminating the place of Jesus Christ at the center of the council.

[Nathan Suire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent analysis of the main texts of Vatican 2 which avoids both ultratraditional and liberal pitfalls.