A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II » (1st Edition)

"The sixteen documents of the Second Vatican Council are the most important texts produced by the Catholic church in the past four hundred years. They shape virtually every aspect of church life today, but hardly anyone ever reads them..."

In this indispensable guide, Edward P. Hahnenberg outlines each of the sixteen documents produced by the Second Vatican Council. Offering the background for each work, its language and context, this book provides a clear and concise overview of the Council's work and its significance in the life of the church. Each document's history, content, major concerns and effects are considered. Significant quotes provide a sample of the language, and contemporary topics provide discussion opportunities.

About the Author:
Edward P. Hahnenberg is assistant professor of theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio

Abbreviations     vi
Acknowledgments     ix
Introduction: Reading the Documents of Vatican II     1
The Four Constitutions     11
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium)     13
Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum)     26
Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium)     37
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modem World (Gaudium et Spes)     56
The Church as the People of God     75
Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church (Christus Dominus)     77
Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Presbyterorum Ordinis)     83
Decree on the Training of Priests (Optatam Totius)     91
Decree on the Up-to-Date Renewal of Religious Life (Perfectae Caritatis)     95
Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People (Apostolicam Actuositatem)     101
Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio)     110
Decree on the Catholic Eastern Churches (Orientalium Ecclesiarum)     122
The Church in the World     127
Decree on the Mass Media (Inter Mirifica)     129
Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity (Ad Gentes)     133
Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis)     141
Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae)     147
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions (Nostra Aetate)     156
Glossary     165
For Further Reading     171
Index     174