Benedict XVI writes letter about Jesus to an atheist
September 24, 2013. (Romereports.com) Once again, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has picked up a pen and paper. In an eleven-page letter addressed to atheist Piergiorgio Odifreddi, Ratzinger defends Jesus as a historic figure, explaining that the Jesus of the Gospel existed in real life. In his letter, Benedict XVI addresses a reference Odifreddi made about Ratzinger's book 'Introduction to Christianity.' In fact, the atheist describes Theology as science fiction. Ratzinger objects to Odifreddi's statements, arguing that when he speaks about Jesus, he does so with low accuracy. He then advises the Italian atheist to read Martin Hengel's four-volume writings about Jesus. In his response letter, Benedict XVI says that just like mathematics, Theology has its own method, which includes both reason and religion. He adds that if separated, each one of these can be dangerous. Odifreddi also criticizes cases of sexual abuse in the Church. Benedict XVI acknowledges ...