New CTS pamphlets: the new translation, and science & religion


The CTS has a bumper crop of new pamphlets just out. I have read several of them and would recommend them highly. Today, I’ll have a look just three, hoping to write about some of the others tomorrow.

On the new translation of the Mass, Mgr Bruce Harbert has written a Companion to the Order of Mass which focuses on the scriptural allusions in the texts, many of which were obscured by the old translation. His experience as Executive Secretary of ICEL shows in the 96 page booklet which obviously benefits from the in-depth discussions that took place over details of the text. Dom Cuthbert Johnson has also written on booklet on the new translation. Understanding the Roman Missal “is designed to be more prayerful than technical” and will help people to understand the different elements of the Mass as well as the text of the prayers themselves.

Science and Religion. The myth of conflict, by Professor Stephen Barr covers the claims of historical, philosophical and scientific conflict between the natural sciences and the Catholic faith. He deals well with the origins of modern science within the Christian context of the middle ages, debunks various myths of conflict between the Church and the study of science, and gives a good, sensible account of the Galileo case. Along the way, he gives numerous examples of scientific advances made by priest scientists over the centuries. The chapter God, the laws of physics and the design of the universe sets out the ground well for the philosophical section; he goes on to look at the question of purpose in nature, the Big Bang, and the spiritual soul. For the kind of apologetics that is needed in Britain today, this is a most useful introduction.

All of the above can be ordered at the CTS website. There are other reviews and more at the CTS Compass blog.

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