The Spirit of Catholicism

Karl Adam

The Spirit of Catholicism

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Analytical Contents

Chapter I: Introductory

Chapter II: Christ in the Church

Chapter III: The Church the Body of Christ

Chapter IV: Through the Church to Christ

Chapter V: The Foundation of the Church in the Light of the Teaching of Jesus

Chapter VI: The Church and Peter

Chapter VII: The Communion of Saints

Chapter VIII: The Communion of Saints

Chapter IX: The Catholicity of the Church

Chapter X: The Church Necessary for Salvation

Chapter XI: The Sacramental Action of the Church

Chapter XII: The Educative Action of the Church

Chapter XIII: Catholicism in Its Actuality

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Karl Adam, one of the greatest of living theologians, was born in Bavaria in 1876, one of a family of ten. He received his education at the Classical Gymnasium at Amburg; the Philosophical and Theological Seminary at Regensburg; and received his Doctorate at the University of Munich in 1904. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1900 and spent the following two years doing parish work. His scholarly and theological interests soon became apparent and it was to this field that he naturally turned. In these early years his writing was specialized and was concentrated on the history of dogma. These earlier specialized works have never been translated but have been described by scholars in the field as outstanding.

In 1915 he became a professor at Munich and two years later assumed the Chair of Moral Theology at Strasbourg. In 1919 he went to the University of Tuebingen to take over the Chair of Dogmatic Theology. It was at Tuebingen that he delivered the famous lectures on the Church which brought him world-wide fame. He is also considered an outstanding authority of the theology of St. Augustine and is known for his great love for tradition and the Fathers of the Church.

His eminent position in the field of theology has been recognized for many years but his unswerving fidelity to his beliefs has often led him into great difficulties. A man of great dynamic force and personality, his style captivates readers and listeners alike, but any attempt to compromise or transmute his faith results in a forceful roar of protest.

In 1934 his integrity compelled him to deliver an outspoken denunciation of the so-called German religion in an address on “The Eternal Christ” which led him into difficulties with the Nazi government. He was threatened with physical harm, his house was riddled with bullets, his life was threatened and his right to lecture was denied him. So strong were the feelings that he aroused that he was forced to flee to the Bishop of Rottenburg for protection. Despite all such threats and attempts at intimidation he steadfastly clung to his position, refusing to compromise what he believed were basic truths.