Introductory notes for readers of this thesis - Theses - Flinders ...

Kilby notes that in regard to this unfolding theology of ‘all things’, Rahner oftendescribed himself as a theological dilettante. In other words, he did not necessarily claimto be an expert on all the topics to which he contributed a view.However, having put in the mystical and intellectual spadework in arguing for areinterpretation of the central theses of the faith, Rahner was moved by a pastoralconviction to comment broadly on a variety of issues in a speculative way from thiscentre. It is obvious that many people appreciated his forthrightness and courage: Kressnotes that, during his postwar career, Rahner was ‘called upon to lecture almosteverywhere to almost everyone about almost everything’ 72 .Rahner’s legacyEugene Kennedy provides some helpful initial insights into the nature and scope ofRahner’s broader influence on the Church. In an article written in 1979, on the occasionof Rahner’s visit to America for the purpose of attending a theological symposium atMarquette University honouring his 75 th birthday, Kennedy offers a candid snapshot ofRahner’s broad influence and legacy, beginning with a reference to his pervasiveinfluence amongst the faculties of North American theological institutions.‘Compared to Karl Rahner, most other contemporary Christian theologians arescrub oak.’ So says Dr. Martin. E. Marty, professor of the history of modernChristianity at the university of Chicago, citing a poll last year in which 554 NorthAmerican theologians from 71 different denominations named Rahner—after PaulTillich and St.Thomas Aquinas—as the greatest influence on their work 73 .Kennedy then goes on to highlight the ‘ripple’ effect, resulting in Rahner’s theologyhaving an influence of universal proportions.The old Jesuit’s impact has been primarily on professional theologians, but they inturn have multiplied Rahner’s influence by transmitting it in universities andseminaries to a generation of priests and ministers who speak directly to Christianassemblies in pulpits and classrooms throughout the world 74 .The immense volume of Rahner’s work as well as the essence of his strategic approachand revolutionary impact is captured below:72 A Rahner handbook, 6.73 ‘Quiet mover of the Catholic church’, 22.74 Ibid.22