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The T&T Clark Companion to Henri de Lubac introduces the life and writings of one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century. A highly controversial figure throughout the 1940s and 50s, Henri de Lubac (1896 - 1991) played a prominent role during the Second Vatican Council and was appointed cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1983. His work, which covers an impressive range of theological, philosophical and historical inquiries, has left an indelible mark on modern Christian thought.
This volume, including contributions from leading Catholic, Protestant and Anglican scholars of de Lubac's work, introduces readers to the key features of his theology. By placing de Lubac's writings in both their immediate context and in conversation with contemporary theological debates, these essays shed light on the theological ingenuity and continuing relevance of this important thinker.
Offers the first comprehensive introduction to the life and writings of Henri de Lubac in English.
The first companion to Henri de Lubac in English
An approachable and detailed introductory text to the work of de Lubac
Features descriptive and constructive essays by leading scholars in the field
Contents
Contributors
Acknowledgments
Foreword: A Paradoxical Humanism - Rowan Williams
Part One: Henri de Lubac in Context
Ch 1: Introducing Henri de Lubac (Jordan Hillebert, University of St Andrews, UK)
Ch 2: Neoscholasticism of the Strict-Observance, (Tracey Rowland, John Paul II Institute, USA)
Ch 3: The Influence of Maurice Blondel (Francesca Murphy, University of Notre Dame, USA)
Ch. 4: Ressourcement (Jacob Wood, Franciscan University of Steubenville, USA)
Ch 5: Henri de Lubac and Vatican II (Aaron Riches, Instituto de Filosofía Edith Stein, Spain)
Part Two: Key Themes in the Theology of Henri de Lubac
Ch 6: The Mystical Body: Ecclesiology and Sacramental Theology (Gemma Simmonds, Heythrop College, University of London, UK)
Ch 7: The Christian Mystery of Nature and Grace (Nicholas J. Healy, John Paul II Institute, USA)
Ch 8: The Spiritual Interpretation of Scripture (Kevin L. Hughes, Villanova University, USA)
Ch 9: An Inhuman Humanism (Patrick X. Gardner, University of Notre Dame, USA)
Ch 10: On Religion (David Grumett, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Ch 11: Knowing God (D. Stephen Long, Marquette University, USA)
Ch 12: A Theology of History (Cyril O'Regan, University of Notre Dame, USA)
Ch 13: Mysticism and Mystical Theology (Bryan C. Hollon, Malone University, USA)
Ch 14: An Emerging Christology (Noel O'Sullivan, Maynooth College, Ireland)
Part Three: A Theological Legacy
Ch 15: Henri de Lubac and a Desire Beyond Claim (Jean-Yves Lacoste; Translation by Oliver O'Donovan, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Ch 16: Henri de Lubac and Protestantantism (Kenneth Oakes, University of Notre Dame, USA)
Ch. 17: Henri de Lubac and Radical Orthodoxy (Simon Oliver, Durham University, UK)
Ch. 18: Henri de Lubac and Political Theology (Joseph S. Flipper, Bellarmine University, USA)
Ch. 19: Henri de Lubac and the Christian Life (Nicholas M. Healy, St. John's University, USA)
Glossary
Index
Bibliography
Newcomers to the study of Henri de Lubac will be able to pass for experts after reading this excellent collection of essays, and experts will find their understanding enriched by fresh and challenging insights. This book succeeds in the two ways that a companion volume should: it introduces, and it elevates. While drawing in the uninitiated, it also advances the scholarly conversation.
De Lubac once remarked that the ressourcement (return to the sources) approach to theology is not intended to repristinate the past. Instead, it is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the past in order to more fully see the path forward in the present. The T&T Clark Companion to Henri de Lubac does just that, not only for Catholicism, but for the entire Christian church.
In 500 densely packed pages, the twenty contributors to this excellent volume deliver a fine tribute to, explanation of, and commentary on the outstanding theological contribution of someone who is often and rightly associated with Congar, Balthasar, Danielou, and other ressourcement theologians in the first half of the twentieth century, but whose own work is unique and eminently deserving of attention.
…this collection confirms Henri de Lubac's great importance as a Catholic theologian, with essays that invite and will reward much re-reading and debate.
Jordan Hillebert is Tutor in Theology at St. Padarn's Institute and Lecturer in Theology at Cardiff University, UK.