Everyday dying: Karl Rahner’s theology of death

Abstract

Karl Rahner’s dictum of God’s closeness to the whole creation underlines his concept of death and dying. Grace, as God’s self-communication, presents death not as a punishment, but as a two-sided opportunity: intensifying the relationship between the human person and God. One is called to die every day in the name of one’s neighbour. At the same time, this selfless act culminates in powerless submission before the presence of God, at the final end of life. Human freedom, which is a result of God’s bestowal of self, makes the human person a capable partner in a blessed exchange. Through the gift of authentic freedom the human person has the task of choosing either to accept or reject God through the love of neighbour. In this, according to Rahner, everyone is asked to model the practice of freedom on the very person of Jesus Christ. One is called to ‘die with Christ’, a death that is fully formed according to the nature of human freedom. This use of freedom, therefore, conquers the absurdity of death.