About the book
A long-awaited English translation of a landmark work in modern Catholic thought that powerfully reframes Catholicism as a living tradition.
On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism presents the first English-language translation of Johann Sebastian Drey’s influential 1819 essays about Catholic Christianity. The founder of the Catholic Tübingen School and a pioneer of fundamental theology, Drey locates the essence of Catholicism not in any single doctrine but in how the Church lives its continuity between past and present. Central to this vision is his original account of living tradition: Christianity as a reality embodied, transmitted, and continually renewed through the person of Christ, who reveals a God still living and active.
This volume pairs Drey’s essays with a substantial introduction that situates the work within its nineteenth-century intellectual, ecclesial, and philosophical context. Together, the translation and introduction show why On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism served as a programmatic text for a new theological movement and why it continues to shape debates about tradition, history, and ecclesial identity.
This edition reintroduces a generative theological classic, inviting readers into one of the most influential modern reflections on Catholic tradition, the Church, and the development of doctrine.
Editions of On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780268211394
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780268211370
- EBook
- ISBN 9780268211417
Read an Excerpt
A long-awaited English translation of a landmark work in modern Catholic thought that powerfully reframes Catholicism as a living tradition.
On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism presents the first English-language translation of Johann Sebastian Drey’s influential 1819 essays about Catholic Christianity. The founder of the Catholic Tübingen School and a pioneer of fundamental theology, Drey locates the essence of Catholicism not in any single doctrine but in how the Church lives its continuity between past and present. Central to this vision is his original account of living tradition: Christianity as a reality embodied, transmitted, and continually renewed through the person of Christ, who reveals a God still living and active.
This volume pairs Drey’s essays with a substantial introduction that situates the work within its nineteenth-century intellectual, ecclesial, and philosophical context. Together, the translation and introduction show why On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism served as a programmatic text for a new theological movement and why it continues to shape debates about tradition, history, and ecclesial identity.
This edition reintroduces a generative theological classic, inviting readers into one of the most influential modern reflections on Catholic tradition, the Church, and the development of doctrine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism about?
A long-awaited English translation of a landmark work in modern Catholic thought that powerfully reframes Catholicism as a living tradition.
On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism presents the first English-language translation of Johann Sebastian Drey’s influential 1819 essays about Catholic Christianity. The founder of the Catholic Tübingen School and a pioneer of fundamental theology, Drey locates the essence of Catholicism not in any single doctrine but in how the Church lives its continuity between past and present. Central to this vision is his original account of living tradition: Christianity as a reality embodied, transmitted, and continually renewed through the person of Christ, who reveals a God still living and active.
This volume pairs Drey’s essays with a substantial introduction that situates the work within its nineteenth-century intellectual, ecclesial, and philosophical context. Together, the translation and introduction show why On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism served as a programmatic text for a new theological movement and why it continues to shape debates about tradition, history, and ecclesial identity.
This edition reintroduces a generative theological classic, inviting readers into one of the most influential modern reflections on Catholic tradition, the Church, and the development of doctrine.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Christianity > Christian Churches, denominations, groups > Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church
Where can I read a sample of On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780268211394
Who is/are the Author/s of the book On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism?
Johann Sebastian Drey
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780268211394) and paperback(ISBN 9780268211370) and ebook(ISBN 9780268211417)
Where can I buy On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy On the Spirit and Essence of Catholicism?