The Grammar of Grace: Karl Rahner as a Watershed in Contemporary Theology

Abstract

T DESCRIBE thought of any theologian of recent past as a watershed seems dubious. For theological scene today is marked not so much by one or two dominant schools as by a plurality of competing theologies. Yet among these theology of Karl Rahner looms on horizon as a massive, though highly variegated, mountain range. One can ignore it only with help of a blindfold. Rahner has been called Aquinas of 20th century, or in deference to Angelic Doctor, the most brilliant theologian since Thomas Aquinas. The cardinals dubbed him Holy Ghost writer of Second Vatican Council. As if to rub salt in wounds of lesser mortals, Martin E. Marty remarks: Compared to Karl Rahner, most other contemporary Christian theologians are scrub oak. We could go on for some time citing accolades heaped upon Rahner, scanning thousands of bibliographical items linked to his name, or tallying millions of copies that his works have sold. But enough. Rahner's stature is beyond dispute. Given his stature and brilliance, and given profound way in which he has addressed core of theology, i.e. meaning of grace, any theologian worth name must come to grips with his thought. In that sense it functions as a watershed in contemporary theology. In this essay I explore this thesis by first examining Rahner's conception of grace in its radical distinction from and inextricable unity with nature. Then I examine two opposite directions in which theological waters flow in response to Rahner and seek an explanation for contrary assessments of his thought implicit in these opposite moves. Finally, I entertain possibility that these diverging assessments point to a basic tension within Rahner's thought. This