The Two Wings of Catholic Thought

John Paul's choice to yoke faith and reason together in an encyclical on the twin sources of knowledge caught the world's attention. By stressing 'the two wings' of Catholic thought, the pope captures in the lively image of a soaring bird the same point that theologians like von Balthasar communicate by calling truth symphonic. The beauty of this symphony, like the flight of the bird, is even better appreciated when one has studied the component parts. Knowing the various components only increases our wonder when we hear the music or see the bird take flight. The purpose of this volume is to deepen the appreciation for the stereophonic approach to truth that the Holy Father recommends.

The essays are in three sections: (1) doctrinal themes, (2) contemporary implications, and (3) historical aspects. In the first, Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., discusses the twentieth-century answers to a question that has long haunted Christians who felt the attraction of pagan philosophy: Can philosophy be Christian? Prudence Allen, R.S.M., and Joseph Koterski, S.J., then treat two philosophical topics that have been the most affected by centuries of contact with the Christian faith: the philosophy of the person and metaphysics. David Meconi, S.J., reflects on the Marian framework that is so typical of Pope John Paul II's thought.

In the second section, Bishop Allen Vigneron considers the significance of this encyclical for Catholic intellectual life today. David Foster discusses the implications of Fides et ratio for Catholic universities.

In the final section, Koterski reviews the importance of biblical wisdom literature for the encyclical. Michael Sweeney and Timothy Quinn treat medieval philosophy and modern philosophy respectively. Finally Cardinal Dulles considers the Church pronouncements on faith and reason from Vatican I to John Paul II.

David Ruel Foster is Associate Professor of Philosophy in the School of Theology at Seton Hall University. Joseph W. Koterski, S.J., is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at Fordham University. He is also editor of International Philosophical Quarterly.

Contributors:

Prudence Allen, R.S.M., St. John Vianney Theological Seminary; Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., Fordham University; David Ruel Foster, Seton Hall University; Joseph W. Koterski, S.J., Fordham University; David Vincent Meconi, S.J., Jesuitenkolleg, Innsbruck; Timothy Sean Quinn, Xavier University; Michael Sweeney, Xavier University; and Most Rev. Allen Vigneron, Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

"The real contribution of The Two Wings of Catholic Thought is to convey very effectively—better than the encyclical itself does—just why Fides et Ratio ultimately matters inside the Church and for important issues in wider culture."—Joseph M. Incandela, Catholic Education

"There are several remarkable things about this anthology. First, and best of all, it creates a thirst to go to the source, to read the actual encyclical. It stirs up a desire to go back to its depths and clarity of vision. Second, it is a remarkable resource. If a criterion of a successful theory or idea is its fruitfulness, this book would prove the encyclical's worthiness beyond doubt. The seeds of insight in the encyclical blossom beautifully here. Here we find a treasure chest of essays on the relation of faith to reason."—Gregory Kerr, Ph.D., The Maritain Notebook

"Professors and students in programs that study philosophy and theology together could use this book with profit." — William L. Portier, The Thomist