The Salvation of Atheists and Catholic Dogmatic Theology (Oxford Theology and Religion Monographs)

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 Kung). 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. 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. Cover Table of Contents Acknowledgements Note on Translations and References Abbreviations Introduction 1. Who is an Atheist? Defining ‘atheist’ Credere (in) Deum? Lived atheism Is atheism a religion? Can one really be an atheist? Conclusion 2. Atheism and Salvation from Pius IX to Vatican II Salvation and ‘the others’ ‘From anathema to dialogue’ Salvation for atheists? Vatican II Conclusion 3. Karl Rahner and the Salvation of Atheists Rahner as representative Pastoral orientation Atheism and anonymity Rahner critiqued Conclusion 4. The Salvation of ‘Jane’ and the Problem of Ignorance Saving Jane The D’Costan paradigm: pro and contra The problem of ignorance Conclusion 5. Extra minimos nulla salus ‘The theology lived by the saints’ ‘Jesus in His distressing disguise’ Possible objections Conclusion Conclusion Bibliography Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Z The first full-length study exploring the possibility of salvation for athiests in Catholic dogmatic theology since Vatican II. It discusses crucial foundational issues in the decades preceding the Council, looks at the conciliar teaching itself, explores solutions proposed by Rahner and others, and suggests a new approach. This study explores the possibility of salvation for athiests in Catholic dogmatic theology since Vatican II. It discusses crucial foundational issues in the decades preceding the Council, looks at the conciliar teaching itself, explores solutions proposed by Rahner and others, and suggests a new approach.