Lexington Books Divine Promise and Human Freedom in Contemporary Catholic Thought

It has always been understood that the central claim of Christianity-that Jesus born of Mary is the Son of God-is as much a declaration of the mystery of the human as it is the mystery of God; just as the claim that in virtue of this identity he is the Christ who restores, and more, transforms, the created order, intensifies the mystery of the human even further. When the age of revolution was followed by the age of science, and the effort to shape the environment by technology was joined by an injunction to shape societies and economies, and class conflicts became part of world conflicts, the question about the human emerged as a crisis in the meaning of being human. Yet the Catholic mind, preoccupied like every other with the crisis, has conducted its reflection within a tradition of Christian humanism, insisting on the mystery and the tragedy, and still the dignity, of the human. This collection of essays by thirteen Catholic scholars of philosophy, theology, and political thought investigates a range of topics from human sexuality and marriage to moral freedom and responsibility in a pluralistic society, while demonstrating that the Gospel, passed on in an ecclesial tradition, entered into through a sacramental tradition, remains the one radical source of confidence in the quest for human truth. Review This volume, covering as it does such a variety of core topics, is a welcome reminder of the many themes and insights that Donald Keefe, S.J., has given us in his writings and lectures. The contributors have touched on and expanded a number of his main ideas. Father Keefe is a careful and thorough scholar with a vast breadth of reading, original reflection, and subject matter to support his wide-ranging insights; and he proves, once again, the central importance to academy, culture, and Church of a clear mind devoted throughout his life to the truth.--Rev. James V. Schall S.J., Georgetown University It's hard to imagine a collection of essays that would give suitable honor and recognition to such a man of theological genius and personal integrity as Fr. Donald J. Keefe, S.J.--but this book certainly comes close. I am one of many scholars, in the last generation, who have looked to Fr. Keefe as a professor and mentor. A beacon of fidelity and insight at a time when many theologians were striving instead for novelty or notoriety, he took up neglected elements of the tradition--notions like covenant--and he showed us their glory. I am pleased to add my voice to those who pay homage to this man, a true scholar and a true friend.--Scott W. Hahn, Mundelein Seminary; Franciscan University of Steubenville What if we live in a world where God has become flesh, and given his flesh--the Eucharist--for the life of the world? In that case the core matters of Catholic faith will have to decide how we think about the world, and how we live--and not, as we often hear, the other way around. Guided by this conviction, these rich theological and philosophical essays help give us a much-needed sense of the difference it makes that the Word became flesh.--Bruce D. Marshall, Southern Methodist University This rich collection of essays offers not only a splendid explanation of the covenant theology developed by Fr. Don Keefe, S.J., but also a number of insightful applications of the idea of covenant to such diverse topics as religious liberty, sexual morality, Christian faith, and the Eucharist. The list of contributors to this volume is stellar!--Fr. Joseph Koterski S.J., Fordham University About the Author Kevin A. McMahon is professor of theology at Saint Anselm College.