Module: Karl Rahner & 20th Century Theology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Karl Rahner & 20th Century Theology
Module Code	RET1059 (ITS: TP525)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module will explore contemporary theological perspectives on the human person, on ethics and on politics, and the dialogue between philosophy and theology intrinsic to these perspectives. It will engage with select texts from the theology of Karl Rahner and examine the impact of his work on the subsequent development of Political Theology, Liberation Theology and Feminist theology. The critique of Rahner that emerges in the theology of Johann Baptist Metz will be analysed, particularly his challenge to Christian theology to face the implications of the Holocaust, together with the later post-liberal critique of modern theology after Rahner.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of theological perspectives on the human person, on ethics and on politics in modern theology
2. Engage with select aspects of the dialogue between philosophy and theology
3. Display a critical awareness of the theology of Karl Rahner and his contribution to the development of other theological movements in the twentieth century
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the implications of the Holocaust for Christian theology
5. Select from and critique a range of key texts of political, liberation and feminist theologies
6. Display an ability to undertake research and engage in theological dialogue about issues related to the human person, politics and justice, in the academy, church and society

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	11540	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	Select readings from primary texts will be discussed each week. Each student will make a presentation on one of these primary texts and submit a written copy of this presentation of a reading.	20%	As required
Essay	Students will be given a choice of titles based on module texts and themes	80%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Karl Rahner and Transcendental Thomism

The turn to the subject in modern philosophy and Rahner’s Theological Anthropology

The 'Anonymous Christian' and Rahner’s ethics

Johann Baptist Metz: Political Theology after the Holocaust

Theodicy, Suffering and Hope

Liberation Theology: development, critique and contribution to modern theology

Feminist Theology: women’s experience and the experience of God

John Milbank and Radical Orthodoxy: a critique of theology after Rahner

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Joe Egan: 2010, From Misery to Hope: Encountering God in the Abyss of Suffering, Peter Lang,
Ford, David with Rachel Muers, eds: 2005, The Modern Theologians: An Introduction to Christian Theology Since 1918, 3rd Ed., Blackwell Publishing, Oxford,
Gutiérrez, Gustavo: 1988, A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics and Salvation, 15th anniversary Ed., Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York,
Johnson, Elizabeth A: 1993, She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse, Crossroad, New York,
Metz, Johann Baptist, Translated and edited by J. Matthew Ashley: 2007, Faith in History and Society: Toward a Practical Fundamental Theology, Crossroad, New York,
Milbank, John: 1993, Theology and Social Theory: Beyond Secular Reason, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford,
Rahner, Karl: 0, Theological Investigations, 23 volumes, Select essays from a number of volumes will be recommended,
Rahner, Karl: 2002, Foundations of Christian Faith: An Introduction to the Idea of Christianity, Translated by William V. Dych, Crossroad, New York,
Regan, Ethna: 2010, Theology and the Boundary Discourse of Human Rights, Georgetown University Press, Washington, DC,
0: Select primary and secondary texts will be recommended for each section of the module,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None