New book offers a robust and readable journey into the core texts of Vatican II, battling false narratives about the council's history and purpose

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Word on Fire Catholic Ministries
March 8, 2021

IRVING, Texas, March 8, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), a gathering of Catholic bishops from around the world, was one of the most significant cultural and religious events of the twentieth century. Though practically everyone acknowledges its importance, Catholics have been debating its precise meaning and application for the past sixty years. On the one hand are "radical traditionalists" who claim that Vatican II betrayed authentic Catholicism and produced disastrous consequences in the life of the Church; on the other, "progressives" who saw the council documents as a first step toward more substantial changes in the Church. But even as debate over the council rages on, not enough Catholics have actually read or properly understood its texts.

"The Word on Fire Vatican II Collection," a groundbreaking new book from Word on Fire, is designed to address that problem. This elegant hardcover volume, with beautifully carved linocut art, features the four central documents that most fully articulate the vision of the council: Dei Verbum, Lumen Gentium, Sacrosanctum Concilium, and Gaudium et Spes. In the style of The Word on Fire Bible, it also includes illuminating commentary from the postconciliar popes and Bishop Robert Barron interspersed throughout, so that readers will understand how the Church authoritatively interprets different passages.

"Many years ago," Bishop Barron writes in the foreword, "I heard a speaker remark that far too many people in the Church seem to want either Vatican I or Vatican III! That traditionalists and progressives still dominate much of the conversation today proves that his observation still has validity. I believe that the documents of Vatican II are still widely unread, and if they are read, often misunderstood. The needful thing, I am convinced, is a robust and enthusiastic reappropriation of the texts of Vatican II. I hope that this book represents a contribution to that project."

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries (wordonfire.org) exists to draw people into the Body of Christ, which is the Church, and thereby give them access to all the gifts that Jesus wants his people to enjoy. To be most effective in this mission, Word on Fire places an emphasis and urgency on the use of contemporary forms of media and innovative communication technologies.

"The Word on Fire Vatican II Collection"
Foreword by Bishop Robert Barron
with commentary by the postconciliar popes
March 8, 2021
Hardcover | 388 pages
Word on Fire Institute
wordonfire.org/vatican2

SOURCE Word on Fire Catholic Ministries

CONTACT: William Sipling, Communications Director,
866-928-1237, communications@wordonfire.org

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