Fulbert Steffensky left the Benedictine monastery Maria Laach aged 36 and converted. Well, half-converted. “Perhaps I would identify myself as a Protestant theologian and a Catholic Christian” (p. 11, my translation). While he values the clarity of its theology, he finds his new spiritual home poor in gesture, ritual, and everyday piety. In the twelve chapters of this book, he explores ways to unite these two expressions of faith. Also, they are a call to retain what he terms the language of the dead without regressing to a pre-enlightenment posture. By the "language of the dead," he means the faith formulations of those who have lived before us. Whenever we speak these words, we utter more than our own heart can hold, which he considers a good thing. Throughout the book, he emphasizes the hope and promise of the gospel, as well as the fact that its first addressees were the down-trodden. There are many gems here, products of someone who has thought humbly and deeply. I particularly liked the penultimate chapter; it seemed fitting that a former monk would write one of the most insightful accounts of Martin Luther’s life as a monk I’ve yet come across.
Shortly after leaving the monastery, Steffensky married the Lutheran theologian Dorothee Sölle. For the next 34 years, until her death in 2003, their fruitful partnership made them two of the most influential voices in German-speaking church circles. This book, with its call to reunite head and heart, as well as individual responsibility and shared community, is a good starting point for understanding his contribution to the dialogue. ( )