Joseph Ratzinger’s Apologia for the Concept of the Soul

This article aims to show the rationale behind Joseph Ratzinger’s defence of concept soul in his theological reflection. Since Ratzinger did not produce a separate text justifying need maintain yet justified it when discussing other issues, primarily those related Christian profession faith, distinction was made between biblical and philosophical-theological arguments analyse thought. The analysis indicated that J. saw two fundamental paths tradition leading formation soul. first is which discovers God as Life-Giver more powerful than death. second involves maturing faith resurrection fact Christ’s resurrection. soul, be developed later, will based on these truths attested by Bible drawing anthropological conclusions originating most important such body or belief Last Judgement. also examines statements Church’s Magisterium handed down philosophical from this standpoint. Hence, for him, does so much belong particular anthropology derives calls clear simple message confined expert considerations theologians.