Folia Theologica 15. (2004)
Recensiones
184 RECENSIONES compared with the edition of 1991. The most significant among them is a summary on canon law instruction and its present regulation. But also worthy of mentioning are the numerous references to the norms of the Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium (October 18, 1990), which can be found in each part of the text, especially regarding such cases, where the Eastern law implies indirect obligations for the faithful of the Latin rite. The author was able to supply his work thematically with the new general and particular laws, which were promulgated up to the Spring of 2003. Similarly, we can say that he managed to integrate into his handbook the new results of the international canon law science in a very clear and understandable style. The references found in the footnotes can provide the user of this book with decisive and authoritative considerations concerning present-day tendencies in canon law research and about the literature in this field. At the end of the book is a systematized, international bibliography, which reveals an acquaintance with the highest level of scholarly research. It lists also the most important homepages of the internet, as well as other materials which are reproduced in microfiche or CD. The author pays special attention to the methodology of his book, clearly segregating the general explanation from the closer analysis applied to the more particular themes. The use of this new edition is facilitated by the inclusion of a more detailed index. Italic characters are used to indicate the titles of the reference works and normal characters indicate the other theme titles (849-878). There is a further index for authors and names, which covers the whole material of the work, even those names which appear in the footnotes and in the Bibliography (837-848). Each paragraph of the book has a margin number which is very helpful for quick cross-reference. This updated version of the Canon Law Handbook of cardinal Erdő will surely contribute to the greater advancement of that canon law school, which was originally organized through the author's clear and logical teaching and writing activity in the canonical field. These pages testify not only the wide canonical, theological and juridical knowledge of its writer, but also further enlightens the notion of "Scientia Sacra". Szabolcs Anzelm SZUROMI O.Praem.
