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Abstract

The author notes that a media that focuses only on progressive or conservative issues can capture only the surface of Christianity. Cardinal Ratzinger delves below the social and moral issues to Christology, the place of Christ at the center of Christianity. By looking at Deus Caritas Est (his 2005 encyclical on love) and Spe Salvi(his 2007 encyclical on hope), the author notes that by focusing on Christ, we find what Ratzinger calls “an encounter, a love story, . . . an event.” It is this reality of Christianity that Catholics and Evangelicals should discuss: the visibility of God in Christ and what this means for the life of a Christian. What we find in Christ is God and God’s will for humankind. It is not the laws of matter that rule us but a Person, the Spirit revealed in Jesus as Love. Ratzinger speaks of being “touched” by Christ in ways that prove his presence in this life and the promise of eternal life. This real presence of faith, love, and hope anchor Christians to Christ and to each other. Here is the heart of Christianity that we share. The author presents stories Ratzinger told about those who have been touched by this presence and made true Christians. They are the historical testament of the central power of Christology in the lives of Christians.

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