The Splendor of Doctrine by Aidan Nichols, O.P.

Abstract

BOOK REVIEWS 331 future lies in the culmination of that plan and whose present is thus characterized by self-possession. This is a sort of eternity. Building on this insight, I would like to offer the suggestion that Jesus' earthly life is an initial "type" or "icon" of eternity for precisely the reasons Placher presents, and this does show us the consistency of the vulnerable God. However, the "perfect possession of limitless life" is not a quality of Jesus "in the days of his flesh" but only of his humanity now that he is completely transformed by the divine action. Even now, this humanity is but a perfect type or "analogate" of the intrinsic eternity of God's nature and this eternity of God is the reason why Jesus is eternal at all. What I am suggesting is that Jesus' once non-fragmented and now perfect possession of limitless life is a revelation of God and can be the starting point for a consideration, yet to be undertaken, of what "eternal" means as applied to God. By considering Jesus' manner of possessing time, Placher's reflections have opened up a way to move beyond the conflict between temporality and eternity in a manner that complements the valuable proposals of Hans Urs von Balthasar in A Theology ofHistory (reprint, San Francisco: Ignatius, 1994). This is an honest book that tries to point to the obfuscation of revelation that is being caused by the Church's attachment to dominative power. It should call us to pay attention and change. My criticism of Professor Placher's failure to articulate a more biblical understanding of God's power is meant to enhance, not weaken, his witness. Dominican House ofStudies Washington, D.C. FRANCIS MARTIN The Splendor ofDoctrine. By AIDAN NICHOLS, 0.P. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1995. Pp. x + 159. $18.95 (paper). ISBN 0-567-29271-1. The Splendor ofDoctrine forms the first panel of what its author describes as a diptych of the Catechism ofthe Catholic Church. This metaphor from the world of art seems an especially appropriate point of departure for this author, for throughout the work he consistently appeals to the aesthetic facet of his reader's nature. On the first panel of the diptych, the author sketches the contours of the Catechism on the Creed. The second panel will render the Catechism on Christian practice: the sacramental, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of the faith. In addition, in the sequel the author intends to "investigate and respond to some of the criticisms that have been voiced of the Catechism's project, 332 BOOK REVIEWS and/or the way in which it has been effected." It is clear, then, from the beginning , that The Splendor of Doctrine represents a perspective quite sympathetic to the Catechism. "The Church's concern in the Catechism," the author asserts, is "to hold all the splendors of the faith before us so that we can see the Catholic tradition, and the Christian life, for what they are-a seamless web of beauty, truth and goodness which reflects, ultimately, the very being of God himself." It is precisely because of this perspective that The Splendor of Doctrine is able to exploit so well the implications of several of the Catechisms achievements. The first chapter highlights the main themes in Pope John Paul II's apostolic constitution Depositum fidei. The author points out the "masterstroke in the pope's preamble," the interrelation of the four books. "The key concept used to bring off this coup is that ofthe Christian mystery." The unity of God's saving design reveals Christ at its center. Thus Christian belief, worship , action, and prayer are parts of an integrated whole held together in Christ. This Christocentrism is one of the Catechisms most conspicuous characteristics . "The mystery of the Saviour forms the living, personal unity of the Catechisms four parts: for he is the source of faith, the saving presence in the sacraments, the model of Christian action and the master of Christian prayer." The author is also concerned with what the pope articulates as one of the primary intentions of the Catechism: "the writing of new local catechisms, which take into account the various...