Catholic Theology After Rahner

Karl Rahner (1904–1984) was undoubtedly one of the most influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century and worked alongside figures such as Joseph Ratzinger, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Henri de Lubac. He mostly composed essays rather than books, and unlike the aforementioned figures, he made thematic use of scholastic theology, including the work of Thomas Aquinas. However, he also sought to reform scholasticism in light of modern philosophy (especially Kant and Hegel). He also engaged with a host of typically modern questions and in so doing changed the conversations in theology in major ways. For example: What do we really need to believe about the historical Jesus in light of modern studies of Scripture? How can we understand Genesis in light of modern scientific cosmology and evolutionary theory? Read Full Article »