The theology of Karl Rahner is perhaps more than anything else a theology investigating the ground and modes of man’s freedom in God. In Grace in Freedom this primary concern of Rahner’s provides the focus for a series of reflections on all aspects of the presents situation Catholics find themselves in.
The author well understands the dilemma of the Catholic who feels the Second Vatican Council and events subsequent to it have meant the end of enduring Christianity – and understands just as well the feelings of the Catholic is not changing quickly enough into a truly Christian community. He addresses himself to both these extremes and then writers provocatively and concretely about how the two should cooperate in “the transition of an established Church to a Church of the community of faith”.
When he turns his attention to spirituality, Father Rahner writes with singular wisdom and exactness of the relation between personal prayer and liturgical prayer, of the free acceptance of creatureliness and the cross, and of the meaning for Christians of God’s choice to experience humanity completely. In this section he also talks richly and movingly of the mystery of God: “Meditation on the Word God”, God is No Scientific Formula”, “God Our Father”.
Lastly, Father Rahner writes explicitly of freedom explaining how it is freedom – deeply understood and striven for – that constitutes the essence of Christianity.