Resumo de A Generative Thought : An Introduction To The Works Of Luigi Giussani.

a generative thought : an introduction to the works of Luigi Giussani. Edited by Elisa Buzzi. Canada: McGill-Queen?s University Press, 2003. ISBN 0-7735-2631-5 (-2612-9). Pp.vii - 196.

Many voices articulate aspects of Giussani?s evocative perceptions of the value of living the Christian life and what it means to be human within that framework. Elisa Buzzi, professor of theology at Libera UniversitB "Maria S. Assunta", Rome, brings these voices together in a generative thought and offers readers the opportunity to encounter the perceptions of Luigi Giussani, founder of the Catholic Lay movement Communion and Liberation. The book is divided into four parts, each part being dedicated to a specific topic which becomes an integral part of the next. Part One, Passion for Human Destiny easily rolls into Part Two, Faith Reasonably and then on into Part Three, The Christian Event - Life in the Church. Part Four takes a detour into Ecumenism - again, different voices, different perspectives, each challenging the reader to reflect and be part of the discussion. Reflection on the structure of the book encourages an encounter with its content. From a Faith perspective this is the point. As well as offering systematic insights into life as a Christian, each author presents Giussani in a way which invites the reader to identify with Christ.

Reading the articles suggests embarking upon a journey, engaging each author in their journey - their life thought and faith. Woven into their words was a desire to comprehend, a willingness to discover where it is that Giussani might lead. Authors in the first, second and third sections identify main themes of Giussani?s philosophical and spiritual thought from the cultural and historical perspective. A very helpful start, leading to clarification of I and reality as well as identifying the concept of Event and that event in relation to time and being human. The meaning of the Christian life is explicated; living, breathing, being as Christ rather than reducing the idea of being Christian to a system where one lives out one?s belief according to a set doctrine, morality, or message. For these authors being Christian becomes the profound experience of knowing rather than doing.

To engage oneself in dialogue contains within the engagement a willingness to be open and honest as well as a willingness to be challenged. I, like all the authors in this volume admit to being challenged. Yet, I feel assured, as I sensed they did, that, in my limited human knowledge and understanding, my self-worth and dignity is preserved. I am invited to be part of the journey. I am invited to be touched by the Event, and I am invited to be claimed by and claim my place in the life of Christ.

This is a very important interpretative collection of life challenging articles dealing with what I will call the essence of faith and the essence of being human. For those searching to understand their humanity in relation to the divine, for those wishing to be part of the journey and for those willing to embark on the voyage, I recommend this book. Will we understand? Perhaps not fully. Will we come close? Perhaps. Where and What is Truth? Giussani encourages the dialogue to continue and the authors of the articles contained within a generative thought become part of that dialogue - a dialogue which invites attention and becomes increasingly enlivened and enriched by those who are willing to become engaged.

Engagement in the dialogue brings many voices - interfaith, ecumenical, those who seek understanding through what has become called New Age, as well as those who claim spiritual connection with the divine throughthe manifestation of a particular talent or exercise. An important fourth section brings insights into philosophical truths which bring the presence of the divine into the realm of reality. Christian and non-Christian thinkers articulate how Giussani?s ideas engage their understanding. Not only do readers gain insights into Luigi Giussani, the man and his thought, they are also able to discern, through the intimate writing of each author, insights into the philosophical framework from within which each article is written.

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