Pope Benedict XVI: patristic study and influence

[Mina Mounir]

Dear friends,
I noticed in some writings of Pope Benedict that he adopts some Eastern approaches , for example , in his two recent books ( Introduction to Christianity ) and ( Jesus of Nazareth) , he repeats clearly that he prefers the " Patristic approach" of redemption more than " Juridical theory of "st." Anselm" .
Also , we notice in Dominus Iesus document that he didn't mention " the Filioque" in the creed. in his books about Liturgy , he stresses on the " Beauty of Divine liturgy". I have a Catholic priest , who is a friend too . I asked him about that , he told me that Pope Benedict's theology is influenced by Greek fathers in general.

is that true?

thanks

[Aidan Kimel]

Dear friends,
I noticed in some writings of Pope Benedict that he adopts some Eastern approaches , for example , in his two recent books ( Introduction to Christianity ) and ( Jesus of Nazareth) , he repeats clearly that he prefers the " Patristic approach" of redemption more than " Juridical theory of "st." Anselm" .
Also , we notice in Dominus Iesus document that he didn't mention " the Filioque" in the creed. in his books about Liturgy , he stresses on the " Beauty of Divine liturgy". I have a Catholic priest , who is a friend too . I asked him about that , he told me that Pope Benedict's theology is influenced by Greek fathers in general.

is that true?

There have been many influences on the theological reflections of Pope Benedict. I do not know if it is accurate to say that his theology has been particularly and especially influenced by the Greek Fathers. My guess is that of the Fathers the Pope is especially drawn to St Augustine. One sees this influence especially in his Trinitarian reflections (see, e.g., his *Introduction to Christianity*). But clearly Benedict has a deep appreciation of the patristic tradition as a whole, as evidenced by his recent catechetical lectures.

Needless to say, one does not need to be influenced by the Eastern tradition in order to appreciate the beauty of the Divine Liturgy. But it doesn't hurt. :-)

[Mina Mounir]

Needless to say, one does not need to be influenced by the Eastern tradition in order to appreciate the beauty of the Divine Liturgy. But it doesn't hurt. :-)
well , yeah !
I've just found a nice quote for him :


“Unspontaneity is of their essence. In these rites I discover that something is approaching me here that I did not produce myself, that I am entering into something greater than myself, which ultimately derives from divine revelation. This is why the Christian East calls the liturgy the "Divine Liturgy", expressing thereby the liturgy's independence from human control.”