How Rahner's Theological Anthropology Addresses Major Historical Concerns

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Karl Rahner’s theological anthropology is reflected through the major historical and intellectual lens of the 20th century in various ways. Rahner’s metaphor about the wintry season for Christians is an intellectual concern that affects the modern world. He speaks out about his use of a method of thinking referred to as transcendental philosophy. Theological anthropology reflects the human person as a transcendental being, tied to history, and therefore, must turn to history. Rahner’s metaphor on wintry season focuses on issues that impact ordinary Christians in the 20th century. Winter refers to the economic, social and political factors threatening the ordinary Christian’s faith. As Rahner rightly argues, the Christians in the world of today no longer communicate the faith easily. Instead, they should practice faith by focusing on tangible and practical issues; for a person can no longer be a Christian out of inherited customs or social conviction.
The contemporary churches depict major types of spirituality. First, is that of Christians who pray and practice as well as receive sacraments, which Rahner refers to as wintry spirituality. Second, is the catholic Pentecostalism movement who has willing but have troubled faith. Rahner offers to the above 20th-century spiritualities, a challenging mixture of disparate ideas and practices entailing everything from contemplative prayer and traditional practices to practices inspired by native or Eastern religions. Rahner seeks to explain a God who provides sustenance and warmth during winter.
Rahner explains the nature of God by focusing on questioning the nature of human beings in search of the truth. In his metaphor, “Mystery Ever Greater,” Go...