The Survival of Dulles - by Michael M Canaris (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This collection, marking the centenary of Avery Dulles's birth, makes an entirely distinctive contribution to contemporary theological discourse as we approach the second century of the cardinal's influence, and the twenty-first of Christian witness in the world. Moving beyond a festschrift, the volume offers both historical analyses of Dulles's contributions and applications of his insights and methodologies to current issues like immigration, exclusion, and digital culture. It includes essays by Dulles's students, colleagues, and peers, as well as by emerging scholars who have been and continue to be indebted to his theological vision and encyclopedic fluency in the ecclesiological developments of the post-conciliar Church. Though focused more on Catholic and ecumenical affairs than interreligious ones, the volume is intentionally outward-facing and strives to make clear the diverse and pluralistic contours of the cardinal's nearly unrivaled impact on the North American Church, which truly crossed ideological, denominational, and generational boundaries. While critically recognizing the limits and lacunae of his historical moment, it serves as one among a multitude of testaments to the notion that the ripples of Avery Dulles's influence continue to widen toward intellectually distant shores"--

Book Synopsis

This collection, marking the centenary of Avery Dulles's birth, makes an entirely distinctive contribution to contemporary theological discourse as we approach the second century of the cardinal's influence, and the twenty-first of Christian witness in the world. Moving beyond a festschrift, the volume offers both historical analyses of Dulles's contributions and applications of his insights and methodologies to current issues like immigration, exclusion, and digital culture. It includes essays by Dulles's students, colleagues, and peers, as well as by emerging scholars who have been and continue to be indebted to his theological vision and encyclopedic fluency in the ecclesiological developments of the post-conciliar Church. Though focused more on Catholic and ecumenical affairs than interreligious ones, the volume is intentionally outward-facing and strives to make clear the diverse and pluralistic contours of the cardinal's nearly unrivaled impact on the North American Church, which truly crossed ideological, denominational, and generational boundaries. While critically recognizing the limits and lacunae of his historical moment, it serves as one among a multitude of testaments to the notion that the ripples of Avery Dulles's influence continue to widen toward intellectually distant shores.

Review Quotes

The essays in The Survival of Dulles provide a cogent and compelling reflection on the development of one theologian's craft over a long and productive lifetime and offer insight into the meaning and significance of his work for today. The contributors to this volume extend Dulles's project to the present moment by creatively engaging both the Christian tradition and contemporary culture to shed light on such pressing topics as migration, ecumenism, and the church in the digital age. This volume will introduce Dulles to an emerging generation of scholars and deepen the appreciation of Dulles for those who are familiar with his work.---Nicholas Rademacher, Cabrini University

This book rightly celebrates the superlative theological contribution of Avery Dulles. As the title indicates and as many of the essays show, Dulles's theology continues to shed bright light on the journey of the pilgrim Church. As one who learned much from him but also had some disagreements, my response to the thesis of this book is simply--Amen, amen! Alleluia!---Charles E. Curran, Elizabeth Scurlock University Professor of Human Values, Southern Methodist University

This is a valuable addition to the scholarly literature because Dulles's life and thought do indeed remain relevant. Recommended.-- "Choice"

About the Author

Michael M. Canaris is associate professor of ecclesiology and systematic theology at Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies, where he also coordinates the Institute's graduate programs in Rome. He holds degrees from or has taught at six Jesuit universities and was Avery Cardinal Dulles's last doctoral student and graduate research assistant.