Karl Rahner

Karl Rahner is one of the great theologians of the twentieth century, known for his systematic, foundationalist approach. This bold and original book explores the relationship between his theology and his philosophy, and argues for the possibility of a nonfoundationalist reading of Rahner. Karen Kilby calls into question both the admiration of Rahner's disciples for the overarching unity of his though, and the too easy dismissals of critics who object to his 'flawed philosophical staring point' or to his supposedly modern and liberal appeal to experience. Through a lucid and critical exposition of key texts including Spirit in the World and Hearer of the Word , and of themes such as the Vorgriff auf esse , the supernatural existential and the anonymous Christian, Karen Kilby reaffirms Rahner's significance for modern theology and offers a clear exposition of his thought.

In the years since the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has struggled to renew its self-understanding and revise its relationship to the world. This book examines the contribution made by a key figure in those debates, Karl Rahner (1904-1984), one of the foremost Catholic theologians of this century. Lennan analyzes Rahner's ecclesiology in the context of his whole theology, charting both the development of his thought and, particularly, his vision of the Church's future.