O contributo de Karl Rahner para a teologia da graça

Abstract

The doctrine of grace is, in itself, a permanently relevant theme, as it pertains to what resides at the core of humanity, linking it to its ultimate purpose, as well as to its connection with the divine. It is a dense and, above all, ineffable topic, as much of what it addresses belongs to an order of magnitude that transcends human understanding. Consequently, due to its importance and complexity, it reveals itself as a matter that requires constant deepening for a better comprehension of the human being itself. The density of this theme has led to multiple understandings of what human nature is, the grace of God, and the relation between the two. Up until the 20th century, some of the most important theologians for the development of the Treatise on Grace were Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas and Michael Baius. Karl Rahner joins this list due to his contribution to the reflection on these topics, approaching them in a new way. The German theologian begins with the human being, identifying it as a being open to grace. This method leads him to assert that the existing human nature is a graced nature, placing nature and grace in an intimate relationship. The justification for this intimacy is his proposed resolution of the tension present in the understanding of the relationship between nature and grace.

Date of Award	23 Jan 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	João Manuel Duque (Supervisor)