Karl Rahner: Theology and Philosophy

by Karen Kilby

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415259651
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/29/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Karen Kilby lectures in Systematic Theology at Nottingham University.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Spirit in the World 3. 'Transcendental' 4. Hearer of the Word and the Supernatural Existential 5. The Relation of Philosophy to Theology: A Nonfoundationalist Reading 6. Defending a Nonfoundationalist Rahner 7. The Theory of the Anonymous Christian

Editorial Reviews

'This book is a must for Rahner enthusiasts, and they could spend a great deal of time arguing about it.' - Church Times

'... a carefully reasoned and compelling study, with a lucidity which is all the more impressive given the complexity of the subject matter. Especially welcome is the concise but very helpful final chapter, in which she applies her general arguments to the particular theory of 'anonymous Christians' ...' - Theology

'This is a book that adds to Karl Rahner scholarship in an impressive manner ... [Kilby's] argument covers fresh ground and is a thorough and rigorous examination of key issues in remarkably lucid prose. Kilby is sure footed in both the disciplines explored, theology and philosophy.' - Reviews in Religion and Theology

'The remarkable thing about this book is that Kilby not only succeeds in bringing fresh perspective to an already well-tilled field, but manages to do so whilst writing throughout in a clear and comprehensible manner- a quality all too rare in Rahner studies.' - Paul D. Murray, University of Durham, UK

From the Publisher