Louis Bouyer (1913–2004)

How does the Church perceive herself? Fr. Louis Bouyer's The Church of God sets out to answer that question, in light of Tradition and theological reflection through the centuries, but especially by drawing on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. This book is a highly-readable, thorough synthesis of ecclesiology after the Council, presented by one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century.

An amazing synthesis of theology, philosophy, angelology, and poetry in one volume of essays. The book's implications about the future entail that every human consciousness be spiritual, rational and free. Every human consciousness has also been called to enter into relationship with the divine personality 'in whose image every created personality has been fashioned' (p. 226). This book is extremely dense and requires multiple readings, all of which more than reward the effort. Notes, index.

This book excited me enough to take notes as I read. I found it helpful for the hermit vocation, actually. He gives a definition of the perfect monk beginning on page 90. Later, Bouyer explains the practice of being a monk, including detachment, mortification, prayer, penance. He also gives the rationale for being a monk and links this with that which is "the better part", plus the monks' value in the Church. The writings on the monk and the Mass and Eucharist are excellent, also. Highly show more recommend for any contemplative. show less

The only book I know of which, written by a convert from Protestantism to the Roman Catholic Church, is (at least in my opinion) really fair to the former.