Christ must be known as Son of God, pope says in new book

Published: 2007-04-13

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his new book, "Jesus of Nazareth," Pope Benedict XVI said Christ must be understood as the Son of God on a divine mission, not as a mere moralist or social reformer. Re-emphasizing Christ's divine nature is especially important in a world that tends to ridicule religious faith and that is experiencing a "global poisoning of the spiritual climate," the pope said. While Christ did not bring a blueprint for social progress, he did bring a new vision based on love that challenges the evils of today's world -- from the brutality of totalitarian regimes to the "cruelty of capitalism," he said. The 448-page book was presented in its Italian, German and Polish editions at the Vatican April 13. It was to go on sale April 16, the pope's 80th birthday, with subsequent editions in 18 other languages. Doubleday, the U.S. publisher of the pope's book, plans to release the volume in English in May. The book, the first of two planned volumes on Christ's life, covers the public acts of Jesus from his baptism in the Jordan River to the transfiguration before his disciples. Its 10 chapters analyze Scriptural passages, but also explore commentary from early church fathers and modern scholars.

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