Rahner, Karl (1904–1984)

German Catholic theologian. In his 16-volume Schriften zur Theologie/Theological Investigations 1954–84, he attempted a systematic exploration linking the historical and the transcendent, especially by relating salvation history to the history of evolution and the world.

Rahner joined the Jesuits 1922, studying first philosophy and then theology. He was professor at Munich 1964–67 and Münster 1967–71. He was considered too radical by many in the Catholic Church but was one of the more influential advisers to the Second Vatican Council.