Overview
Since the Second Vatican Council (1962-5), the Catholic Church has formally declared the possibility of salvation for atheists: 'those who, without fault, have not yet arrived at an express recognition of God' (Lumen Gentium 16). However, in the very same document, the Council also reiterates the traditional doctrine of the necessity of faith, baptism, and the mediation of Church in order for someone to be saved (Lumen Gentium 14). This monograph explores how these two seemingly contradictory claims may satisfactorily be reconciled. Specifically, it asks - and ultimately answers - the question: How, within the parameters of Catholic dogmatic theology, is it possible for an atheist to be saved?As the first full-length study of this topic since Vatican II, the book discusses crucial foundational issues - the understanding of 'atheist' in Catholic theology; the developing views on both unbelief, and the salvation of non-Christians, in the decades preceding the Council - before tackling the conciliar teaching itself. Considerable attention is then given to the classic solution of imputing an 'implicit' faith to righteous atheists, best known from Karl Rahner's theory of 'anonymous Christians' (though the basic idea was advocated by many other major figures, including Ratzinger, Schillebeeckx, de Lubac, Balthasar, and Küng). After discussing Rahner's specific proposals in detail, this kind of approach is however shown to be untenable. In its place, a new way of understanding Vatican II's optimism for atheists is developed in detail, in light of scripture, tradition, and magisterium. This draws principally on Christ's descent into Hell, a renewed understanding of invincible ignorance, and a literal interpretation of Matthew 25.
Full Product Details
Author: Stephen Bullivant (Lecturer in Theology and Ethics, St Mary's University College)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Dimensions:
Width: 14.80cm
, Height: 2.00cm
, Length: 22.30cm
Weight: 0.428kg
ISBN: 9780199652563
ISBN 10: 0199652562
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 19 April 2012
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
,
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: To order
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.
Reviews
Bullivant has raised important questions and discussed them with commendable clarity. Paul Richardson, Church of England Newspaper
This solution [to the problem of the salvation of atheists] is both fully traditional and surprisingly innovative. Stephen Waldron, Journal of Theological Studies This is undoubtedly a work of creative excellence which brilliantly and lucidly sustains a technical argument concerning dogma through an inventive appeal to Scripture and tradition. Marcus Pound, Theology Bullivant's book is essential reading for dogmatic theologians in the Catholic tradition and will also be of interest to historical theologians whose focus is directed to the build-up to Vatican II. Matthew Edward Harris, Theological Book Review Bullivant has raised important questions and discussed them with commendable clarity. Paul Richardson, Church of England Newspaper
Bullivant's book is essential reading for dogmatic theologians in the Catholic tradition and will also be of interest to historical theologians whose focus is directed to the build-up to Vatican II. Matthew Edward Harris, Theological Book Review Bullivant has raised important questions and discussed them with commendable clarity. Paul Richardson, Church of England Newspaper
