The Ecclesiology of Karl Rahner

Karl Rahner was one of the most significant Catholic theologians of this century. Much of his writing focused on the Church. This book is the first to examine the development of Rahner's thought, especially his vision of the Church's future, which not uncontroversially stressed that the Church must palpably change if it is to speak to the modern world. `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.