A few weeks ago Baronius Press released what it describes as a new edition of Ludwig Ott's Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma. Although based on the original translation by Dr. Patrick
Lynch it has been "fully revised and updated" by Dr. Robert Fastiggi, apparently in the light of Ott's 1969 German text of the Fundamentals. The preface to the new edition by Dr. Fastiggi -- full text on the Baronius Press website -- describes at length the revisions made to the translation. In the preface, Fastiggi notes that "(w)hile Fr. Ott made some revisions in 1969, it would be wrong to find in
these any notable change in his theological posture from the decade
prior to Vatican II. Ludwig Ott always remained faithful to the
Church’s perennial Magisterium, and he is careful to distinguish
theological speculations from the constant teaching of the Church"
For this edition of the Fundamentals the Foreword came from no other than Bishop Athanasius Schneider. The full text, as provided on the Baronius Press website:
Ludwig Ott’s Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma has proven to be an indispensable guide to Catholic doctrine since it was first published in the 1950’s. Whether in the original language or in its French and English translations, it has been favoured by generations of readers because of its rare combination of relative brevity with comprehensiveness. I congratulate Baronius Press and Dr. Robert Fastiggi for bringing out this comprehensively revised translation of the last edition of the Fundamentals.
We live at a time of grave doctrinal confusion when the sheep are often left without shepherds. Against the dangers of doctrinal ambiguity and the loss of clarity in moral matters, the faithful are called more than ever to seek to know their faith, so they can defend it and pass it on to their children. Catechism is necessary, but perhaps now it is not enough to only know one’s Catechism.
The subtlety of the many contemporary errors assaulting the faith practically require from the ordinary faithful today a good understanding of Catholic doctrine that is not separated from its traditional and immutable roots. For this task, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma is eminently suitable. It presents the immutable truths of Catholic theology backed by the teachings of the Magisterium in the past two millennia, not the latest speculations of fashionable and media-friendly theologians who in reality want another religion. It uses language that is simple and clear – virtues often forgotten today – and is brief enough to fit into one volume. May it help the light of faith shine clearer and brighter for countless Catholic faithful, may it help them live the faith in all its purity. And to all who read this book I grant my blessing.Bishop Athanasius Schneider, O.R.C.,
Titular Bishop of Celerina
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana
