Folia Theologica 15. (2004)
Recensiones
RECENSIONES 183 dapest, originally published his handbook in 1991. These two volumes provided substantial help for canon law studies which took place in the theological instruction which was undertaken at that time. More than ten years have passed since that time, and during this period numerous new general and particular norms or modifications have appeared, together with new experiences and cases resulting from the studies and investigations being carried out in canon law science. This has being going on in Hungary too, especially with regard to ecclesiastical institutes, or in the changes occurring in particular canonical prescriptions. Indeed in the field of canon law instruction some considerable developments have taken place in Hungary. All these new circumstances have led Professor Erdő to supplement, update and reorganize his handbook. This work divides into seven distinct parts. The first title is an Introduction to Canon Law, which analyzes the basic elements of canon law, compares it with other sciences and disciplines (47-63). Here we find a short sketch of canon law history, which refers also to the results of recent historical research, but also contains information on the Eastern Codification (64-80). The second part traditionally explains the General Norms of canon law. It lays special stress on the effective scope of the Code of Canon Law (81-90). The chapter of this part which deals with the ecclesiastical "munus" and "officium" is particularly worthy of note. This section gives an excellent summary of the peculiarities of ecclesiastical offices in the international, scientific field (150-193). The third part considers the duties and rights of the faithful of Christ as the People of God, based on their particular status. The next section is dedicated to the hierarchical structure of the Church, containing the basic laws for communities of the consecrated and apostolic life. The author does not intend to give a deep, minute analysis on the law governing the religious orders, because this would need an independent handbook covering its particular structures. Professor Erdő explains the teaching and sanctifying mission of the Church in the fourth and fifth parts. This fifth part contains the law governing the sacraments with a very fine explanation of the marriage law (501-600). Finally, we can read a commentary on the penal law and the juridical process (601-810). This new edition which was placed in the series of the "Szent István (St Stephen) Handbooks" contains several enlargements
