Overview

At a time when we have never known more about our globe or shared more information, we live--paradoxically--in a driven, disconnected world. In science, in economics, our communications industry, and even in the public sphere, the human person tends to disappear from consideration or evaporate into an abstraction. The new political theology tries to break the spell of this cultural amnesia. These essays and interviews invite readers to consider the future by asking Where are we headed and what do we stand for. Johann Baptist Metz's theology emerged as an attempt to understand shifting borders and threatening situations. It does not prescribe a political agenda or policies, but it does ask where we might stand if we are to shape a meaningful future together rather than in isolated or in ideological camps. Beginning with the spiritualty of his popular Poverty of Spirit, Metz developed a new method of theological inquiry for our anxious times. These essays represent the mature clarification of his earlier work.

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9781666710311

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Reviews

Now more than ever we need the particular genius and passion for God that characterized Metz's six decades of theological labor. We are all in John Downey's debt for this collection that introduces the reader to the most important themes of Metz's mature work. The essays are carefully chosen, and the interviews reinforce Metz's own insistence that theology must always develop within a biographical framework. Highly recommended. --Matthew Ashley, University of Notre Dame The prophetic voice of Johann-Baptist Metz calls to us from the pages of this book. The essays uncover key themes in the new political theology that are important for philosophers and critical theorists as well as theologians. Downey's inclusion of interviews keeps the content accessible. This is an excellent resource for everyone willing to respond to Metz's challenge to face the world with open eyes. --Steve Ostovich, College of St. Scholastica, emeritus When students or friends come to me seeking theological light amidst the darkness of suffering and the confusing pluralities of our age, one name always comes to mind: Johann-Baptist Metz. In this marvelous book of short essays and interviews, his key themes recur, overlapping in poetic rhythm, filled with ancient and ardent longings, heralding anew the advent of God. --Kevin F. Burke, SJ, Regis University

Now more than ever we need the particular genius and passion for God that characterized Metz's six decades of theological labor. We are all in John Downey's debt for this collection that introduces the reader to the most important themes of Metz's mature work. The essays are carefully chosen, and the interviews reinforce Metz's own insistence that theology must always develop within a biographical framework. Highly recommended. --Matthew Ashley, University of Notre Dame The prophetic voice of Johann-Baptist Metz calls to us from the pages of this book. The essays uncover key themes in the new political theology that are important for philosophers and critical theorists as well as theologians. Downey's inclusion of interviews keeps the content accessible. This is an excellent resource for everyone willing to respond to Metz's challenge to face the world with open eyes. --Steve Ostovich, College of St. Scholastica, emeritus When students or friends come to me seeking theological light amidst the darkness of suffering and the confusing pluralities of our age, one name always comes to mind: Johann-Baptist Metz. In this marvelous book of short essays and interviews, his key themes recur, overlapping in poetic rhythm, filled with ancient and ardent longings, heralding anew the advent of God. --Kevin F. Burke, SJ, Regis University

Author Information

John K. Downey is Professor Emeritus of Fundamental Theology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. A former Director of the Coolidge Research Colloquium, his work turns around the critical mediation of religion and society. He edited Love's Strategy: The Political Theology of Johann Baptist Metz (1999) and coedited Missing God? Cultural Amnesia and Political Theology (2006) and Facing the World: Political Theology and Mercy (2018).

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