“For the Many”: The Vicarious-Representative Heart of Joseph Ratzinger’s Theology

The concept of vicarious representation (Stellvertretung) is central to Joseph Ratzinger’s thought. He uses it, with its correlative concept of pro-existence, to develop a theology in which “the few” are the starting point from which God saves “the many.” This article examines the concept’s influenc...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ruddy, Christopher 1970- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Sage Publ. 2014
In: Theological studies
Year: 2014, Volume: 75, Issue: 3, Pages: 564-584
Further subjects:B Vicarious role
B Ratzinger
B Benedict XVI
B the many
B Salvation History
B smaller but purer
B Christology
B Pro multis
B Ecclesiology
B pro-existence
B vicarious representation
B little flock
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:The concept of vicarious representation (Stellvertretung) is central to Joseph Ratzinger’s thought. He uses it, with its correlative concept of pro-existence, to develop a theology in which “the few” are the starting point from which God saves “the many.” This article examines the concept’s influence on Ratzinger’s soteriology, Christology, and ecclesiology. It concludes by exploring four areas in which his vicarious-representative theology makes a significant contribution: the soteriological role of human freedom, the pro multis controversy, the “smaller but purer” criticism of his ecclesiology, and the Church’s mission in a religiously plural world.
ISSN:2169-1304
Contains:Enthalten in: Theological studies
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/0040563914538723