The Karl Rahner Society Consultation - "Conversion and the Theology of Karl Rahner
The Karl Rahner Consultation invites proposals for papers about the theology of Karl Rahner in light of the CTSA convention theme of “conversion.” This word has a long history in Rahner’s work, starting with the Thomistic doctrine of the “conversion to the phantasm” in Rahner’s dissertation Spirit in the World (1939). Rahner also treated the theme of “Conversion to the Church,” the title of an essay from 1953 (TI 3.24), in which he discussed what it means to be a convert to Roman Catholicism. In addition, he made “Some Remarks on the Question of Conversions,” an essay from 1962 (TI 5.13). Conversion remained a favorite theme up to his death, as one can see from his contribution to the book co-written with Heinrich Fries, Unity of the Churches: An Actual Possibility (1985). Conversion in light of Rahner’s understanding of the anonymous Christian and the concept of conversion of life are both key themes in Rahner’s theology as well. Finally, we welcome any connections between conversion in Rahner’s theology and his contributions to the Second Vatican Council. How do you understand the convention theme of “conversion” as it relates to the theology of Karl Rahner? We welcome your proposals! Contributions to the Rahner Consultation need not refer explicitly to the topic of “conversion.”
The proposal should be between 200-500 words and should include the name, institution, and contact information of the author/s. If you require any AV equipment, you must clearly state this need in your proposal. Those presenting papers should ordinarily be CTSA members in good standing and have no other speaking role at the convention. Please submit the proposal to Heidi Russell (Loyola University Chicago) via email hrussell@luc.edu. The deadline for proposals is September 1, and the notification date will be September 21.
