The theology of Karl Rahner is perhaps more than anything else a theology investigating the ground and modes of man's freedom in God. Here this primary concern of his provides the focus for a series of reflections on all aspects of the present situation Catholics find themselves in. The author well understands the dilemma of the Catholic who feels the Second Vatican Council and events subsequent to it have meant the end of enduring Christianity; he understands as well the feelings of the Catholic who believes the Church is not changing quickly enough into a truly Christian community. He addresses himself to both these extremes and then writes provocatively and concretely about how the two should cooperate in "the transition of an established Church to a Church of the community of faith."

A new translation of Father Rahner's book on prayer. Karl Rahner stands in a long line of great Christian theologians who were likewise great teachers of prayer. He has been called the voice of Vatican II, and is acknowledged as the rare theologian whose writings speak to the ordinary" Christian. In The Need and the Blessing of Prayer , Father Rahner views the human person as essentially one called to prayer. He also highlights prayer as the act of human existence, the great religious act. By encouraging people to "pray in the everyday" - to pray regardless of the desire or mood of the moment - Rahner's theology of the prayer of everyday life challenges us to surrender ourselves to God so that God dwells at the very center of our lives. The eight chapters of The Need and the Blessing of Prayer were originally sermons that Rahner gave during Lent 1946 at St. Michal's Church in Munich, Germany. This work has been reprinted often throughout its publishing history, testifying to its enduring message. For as Father Rahner wrote in the first edition, "If we are not supposed to cease praying, then perhaps one shouldn't cease speaking about prayer." Chapters are "Opening Our Hearts," "The Helper-Spirit," "The Prayer of Love," "Prayer in the Everyday," "The Prayer of Need," "Prayers of Consecration, "The Prayer of Guilt," and "Prayers of Decision."

Karl Rahner (1904-1984) has been called the most important and influential Roman Catholic thinker of the twentieth century. He was a major influence at the Second Vatican Council, and his extensive writings have inspired generations of modern students of theology. Dych provides a concise introduction to Rahner's theological interests and covers his thinking from his student days to the time of his death. Rahner's writings are numerous and complex, but this volume provides a sure and accessible guide to his legacy. In addition, Dych attempts to connect Rahner's main theological teachings with those of Vatican II and with the teachings found in the Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. In so doing, Dych places Rahner in the context of modern Catholic doctrine and the ongoing experience of Christians anxious to explore the mysteries of God and creation.

Karl Rahner's (1904-84) creative proposals in theological areas made him one of the giants of 20th-century theology. The depth of his contributions has made study of Rahner's writings difficult, but Kelly's anthology of Rahner's writings overcomes the obstacles beautifully. A select bibliography neatly organizes the vast work by and on Rahner. Part of The Making of Modern Theology Series.

An essential and reliable reference work and manual of the Christian faith this book provides both students and interested readers with a basic text presenting the findings of modern scholarly thought and research. Ecumenical in spirit and approach, no responsible and inquiring Christian can afford to be without it.

A century has passed since Karl Rahner's birth, and two decades have passed since his death. Yet this remarkable theologian has left a legacy of wisdom as relevant today as it was during Rahner's time. In God in the World: A Guide to Karl Rahner's Theology, Thomas O 'Meara looks anew at Rahner's insights and theological principles. Through O 'Meara's clear and engaging style, readers will discover 'or rediscover, as the case may be 'how invaluable Rahner is for the church today. Rahner's is a theology that considers both people and history as important. It is a theology that begins with grace as God's self-communication, God's gift of life shared with humankind. It is a theology that directly speaks to some of the tensions we as the church, the people of God, struggle with today: religious pluralism and salvation through Jesus Christ, the roles of priests and lay ecclesial ministers, the offices of bishops and popes, the movements of secular modernity and religious fundamentalism. O 'Meara helps the reader find in Rahner a traditional revolutionary whose theology sees the depth, extent, and vitality of faith, hope and love in the hearts of all people. Thomas O 'Meara, OP PhD, is the William K. Warren Professor of Theology Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame. He studied with Karl Rahner at the University of Munich and continues to receive numerous invitations to teach and speak on Rahner. Among his recent publications are A Theologian's Journey (Paulist, revised 2002), Theology of Ministry (Paulist, 1999), Thomas Aquinas Theologian (University of Notre Dame Press, 1997).