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The Ecclesiology of Karl Rahner

Richard Lennan author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:13th Mar '97

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The Ecclesiology of Karl Rahner cover

`a competent historically nuanced exposition of and commentary upon Rahner's many ecclesiological writings ... the merit of Richard Lennan's work is two-fold: firstly, he does us the service of reminding us that the importance of Rahner's theological vision and insights ... secondly and more pointedly ... Lennan makes a significant contribution to the task of rescuing them from the disregard which is all too frequently their current lot.' New Blackfriars `This superb work fills a major gap on the Christian and Catholic ecclesiology shelf....Belongs in every theological collection.' Choice `Lennan has produced a clear, balanced, insightful, and highly readable text.' Christian Century `Through such a labyrinth one needs a guide, and this is the great strength of Lennan's book ... all readers of Rahner and all students of the doctrine of the Church will benefit from this book.' The Tablet 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 to those debates by Karl Rahner (1904-84), one of the foremost Catholic theologians of this century. The book situates Rahner's ecclesiology in the context of his whole theology, focusing in particular on the evolution of his thought over a fifty-year period. Dr Lennan shows how Rahner's approach to the Church was radicalized by his awareness of the rate of social change in the twentieth century. Faithful to the Church's tradition, Rahner was nonetheless convinced of the Church's need to reform its structures and clarify its doctrines in order to respond to a pluralist society. Rahner's vision of the future centred on a church committed both to preservation of its heritage and an openness to change.

Lennan's book has admirable features not always found in works dealing with Rahner's theology. For one thing, it is quite readable. Lennan does not avoid Rahner's technical terms and arguments where they are necessary; but, since they do not dominate, one need not be a theologian to enjoy the book and be enriched by it...Lennan's book provides an encyclopedic overview of Rahner's thought on a wide range of issues in ecclesiology. he demonstrates quite clearly how Rahner saw both sides of these issues and constantly sought a balance between the various values that were involved. * Cross currents *
Through such a labyrinth one needs a guide, and this is the great strength of Lennan's book...Certainly all readers of Rahner and all students of the doctine of the Church will benefit from this book. * The Tablet *
very thorough account, which is both sympathetic and critical.
L's study is thorough and nuanced and presents a balanced and comprehensive view of Rahner's contributions to contemporary ecclesiology. * William V Dych, Theological Studies *
There is a great deal of valuable material here. * The Journal of Religion *

ISBN: 9780198269557

Dimensions: 216mm x 136mm x 17mm

Weight: 382g

300 pages