Pope To Discuss Jesus with Major Lutherans

I thought this was an interesting article that the Catholic News Agency has up. I am very much look forward to Part II of the Pope's book.

Pope invites Lutheran theologians to discussion about JesusBy Catholic News Service

ROME (CNS) --

As Pope Benedict XVI continues work on the second volume of his book about Jesus of Nazareth, he has asked two Lutheran theologians and some of his former students to discuss with him issues he will be writing about.Martin Hengel and Peter Stuhlmacher, both retired professors of New Testament studies from the Protestant theology faculty at the University of Tubingen, Germany, said they have been invited to lecture Aug. 30 at the meeting at the pope's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.

The Aug. 29-31 meeting is the annual gathering of the pope's former doctoral students, known as a "schulerkreis" (student circle). Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict, began the annual meetings with his former students in 1978.Hengel told Catholic News Service in Rome Aug. 12 that although he was having health problems he hoped to attend the meeting in Castel Gandolfo. He already has sent participants an outline of his talk, which he titled "Questions About the Historical Jesus of Nazareth: Considerations

After Writing a Book on Jesus."In 2007, Hengel's book, "Jesus and Judaism" was published in Germany.Stuhlmacher told CNS his task will be to "try to demonstrate how Jesus himself understood his passion and death."The two scholars are referred to often -- with both positive comments and critical observations -- in the first volume of the pope's book, "Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration."

The 400-page book, published in April 2007, highlights what the Bible says about Jesus, what the moral implications of his teachings are and how reading the Scriptures can lead to a real relationship with Jesus.During Pope Benedict's 2007 summer vacation and again this year when he headed to the mountains of northern Italy in late July, he was working on the second volume of the book, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, papal spokesman.The volume is expected to cover the end of Jesus' public ministry, his passion, death and resurrection.