I Believe in the Holy Spirit: The Complete Three Volume Work in One Volume (Milestones in Catholic Theology)

A Trinitarian understanding of the Holy Spirit entails ontological and relational roles of God in salvific history. In fact, according to Congar, it is impossible to understand the Holy Spirit apart from his deeds known in the human history. However, while God the Father and Jesus the Son are related in human relation as father and son, the Holy Spirit is still seems little related without such a human term of relation. The Holy Spirit has been thus seen as power "it" or any lesser being than the other two persons of God. This misunderstood and falsely accused Sprit is entrusted for our sanctification through building intimate relationship with the tri-union of God; God not only gave hope through the Son, but also ensured that hope through the Spirit (cf. Book I).Congar really mastered in the filed of applying historical method into theology and confidently stresses that the relationship between God in the Tri-unity is still a mystery yet to be revealed. However, study of the Holy Spirit may provide better glimpse about the relationship of God in Himself. "...the history of salvation is not simply the history of God's revelation but also the history of his communication of himself" (III, 12). Congar acknowledges the efficacy of Rahner's datum: the economy of the Trinity is the immanency of the Trinity" Thus on the one hand, he agrees on a mild side from Rahner's notion saying "... even if God's creatures did not exist, God would still be a Trinity of Father, Son and Spirit, since creation is an act of free will" (III, 13). However, on the other hand, he disagrees with the next part of Rahner's assertion that the above statement can be equally true in vice versa. Along with Schoonenberg, Congar believes that the mystery of the immanent Trinity is unknown and unknowable.Man can only comprehend what God has revealed about himself. Thus, the only way to understand the intricacy of the Trinity--the ontological being or manner of the immanent God--is to understand God's salvific action in the history for men--the procession of the Son from the Father (Filioque). With his major theme "love" (On the Holy Trinity, 15. 17. 28), Augustine has developed analogies to illustrate the "interrelationship" of the three "persons" of the Trinity. But his insufficient treatment of its complexity brought controversy and division. Congar this time, however, comes to defend Augustine's position saying "Augustine's aim was to guarantee the perfect consubstantiality of the three persons" (III-87). It is also the point where Augustine makes the point of Filioque that Congar draws his thesis about defining the Holy Spirit as "gift" yet not a thing or power.Despite the fact Congar has made many profound insights it is hard to deny that the whole discussion seems to be cyclical without making any conclusion. Congar may want to justify his position by using an old Anglican's saying that Rome does not need to change but only to explain but it seems that the understanding of the Holy Spirit through the Trinitarian biblical theology has taken a right route but rather than trying to reach the conclusion through a historical theology if he would have remained as an exegete and biblical theologian to fully discuss this robust issue he would have been made more widely accepted contribution.

Yves Congar's classic study I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT works to restore badly needed balance to the theological topic of pneumatology. First, it is an authentically ecumenical endeavor. Although a Catholic scholar, Congar extensively and sensitively interacts with Protestant theology as well. Obviously conversant with Roman Catholic and magisterial Protestant history, liturgy, and theology Congar also articulately addresses the Orthodox tradition and contemporary Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewal movements. Second, the overall work expertly draws on biblical, historical, and theological disciplines. This makes for an exceptionally integrative effort. Third, although perhaps of first importance, Congar's underlying intention appears to be bringing the oft-neglected topic of pneumatology to its rightful place in classic Christian theology. Accordingly, he insightfully discusses the centrality of the Holy Spirit's person and work in relation to Christology and ecclesiology, especially, as well as in relation to other complementary categories. In the process, Congar clearly contends for the importance of a strong doctrine of pneumatology in the discipline of Christian theology. A Pentecostal/Charismatic Christian myself, I found Congar's approach both stimulating and challenging.Originally published as three successive volumes, the three-volumes-in-one edition is a convenient way to approach Congar's classic text and a smart buy to boot. I am certainly well pleased with my personal copy. Volume 1 begins with an overview of the biblical and historical basis of Christian experience of and reflection on the Holy Spirit. Volume 2 digs more in depth into the development of pneumatological doctrine and understanding. Volume 3 addresses difficulties in and offers constructive and definitive ideas for advances. Although they can certainly be read separately with profit, they do form an organic whole that offers optimum benefit to those who tackle them together. Volume 3 is perhaps the most dense reading, although throughout the three volumes there are areas which require some potentially intimidating technical exposition. However, in general Congar writes in a quite readable way, and the entire work is amazingly accessible for such breadth and depth.If there is a shortcoming to this series, it is simply that in the mammoth task of summarizing and analyzing so much material Congar is inevitably forced to be somewhat selective. A few times I have found myself wishing he had gone deeper here or less deep there. Nevertheless, that's just the nature of the work and not usually a noticable negative. With an almost unerring instinct, Congar attempts to offer the most focus where it appears it will be most effective for the most members of the wide-ranging Christian family. Of course, it is always distinctly Catholic. An excellent benefit is that one could easily follow up on Congar's clearly identified sources for further investigation in areas of special personal or professional interest. In this regard, it serves as an extraordinarily helpful bibliography on pneumatological studies (up to its own publication date, of course). Overall, I'd certainly say Yve Congar's I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT is a highly recommended resource for those with interests in serious investigations into contemporary pneumatology!

The book is tremendous, no amount of accolades can live up to the brilliance and importance of this book in contemporary theology. I love having all 3 volumes in one place, but as a papberback it easily falls apart, it's too heavy for the paper binding.

Of course such a work of Yves Congar pass beyond my poor evaluation. It's a deep insight along the bible, an attentive analysis along the history in its different expressions in the many spiritual movements and a gorgeous theological perspective that reaches its apex in the Council Vatican II. Today personally I find it lacking in some updating according to the modern moment we are living. Nevertheless it remains a powerful tool for every investigation about the Spirit within the Holy Trinity and in any attempt to renew the history, the politic and the lige of the church, catholic and no-catholic.

I loved this. In three parts, read parts separately. Lots of footnotes. Holy Spirit explained sublimely.. Congar writes in today's English..

Excellent explanation of the Holy Spirit and how he works in our lives and in the life of the Church. I appreciate Yves' treatment of the Holy Spirit from the Orthodox perspective. Hopefully, it will lead to reunification.

good book

Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion. -Weinberg

great

This is a 3 part book and is an excellent teaching on the theology of the Holy Spirit . Full of useful information and not too hard to read.

Good