In light of the continuing debate about the legacy of John Courtney Murray, S.J., we offer here an archive of articles by the noted American theologian. Murray wrote extensively on what the church could learn from the U.S. experiment in democracy and religious liberty. At times, his writings reflected "a faith in American exceptionalism and goodness so prevalent in the United States after World War II" (Am., 2/7/2005). Murray served as an associate editor at America and later as peritus at the Second Vatican Council.
For additional articles by Murray, visit this collection at the Woodstock Theological Center, compiled by Leon Hooper, S.J.
"How Liberal is Liberalism?"(pdf), April 6, 1946
"Separation of Church and State"(pdf), December 7, 1946
"The Church and the Council," October 19, 1963
"On Religious Liberty," November 30, 1963
"The Declaration on Religious Liberty: Its Deeper Significance"(pdf), April 23, 1966
"Freedom, Authority, Community"(pdf), December 3, 1966
Pope Benedict has been addressing the subject of dialogue with much urgency this past month, pointing out that the right to religious freedom extends to both the believer and the non-believer.
This treasure trove of John Courtney Murray, S.J.'s writings on Religious Freedom is timely and timeless.
Leon Hooper, SJ, director of the Woodstock Theological Center Library, has posted the works of John Courtney Murray online at:
http://woodstock.georgetown.edu/library/Murray/0_murraybib.html