Karl Rahner and the extra-terrestrial intelligence question
The prospect of extra-terrestrial intelligence has become a central topic of scientific investigation and popular speculation. This has generated questions of ethical and theological significance that now receive growing coverage. Throughout his writings, Karl Rahner remained open to the prospect th...
| Authors: | ; |
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| Format: | Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Blackwell Publ.
2006
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| In: |
Heythrop journal
Year: 2006, Volume: 47, Issue: 2, Pages: 275-290 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Rahner, Karl 1904-1984
/ Extraterrestrial being
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| IxTheo Classification: | CF Christianity and Science KAJ Church history 1914-; recent history KDB Roman Catholic Church NBD Doctrine of Creation |
| Parallel Edition: | Electronic
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| Summary: | The prospect of extra-terrestrial intelligence has become a central topic of scientific investigation and popular speculation. This has generated questions of ethical and theological significance that now receive growing coverage. Throughout his writings, Karl Rahner remained open to the prospect that the process of cosmic evolution had yielded sentient life form in other galaxies. He argued against any theological veto on this notion, while also distinguishing the existential significance of such life forms from that of angels. Furthermore, the possibility of multiple incarnations is raised though not affirmed. With its christological intensity, his theology seems to militate against any repetition of the incarnation. This essay examines some of the arguments for and against the possibility of multiple incarnations, before assessing the current state of the extra-terrestrial intelligence debate. In the light of inconclusive scientific findings, the cautionary position of Rahner is re-affirmed. |
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| ISSN: | 0018-1196 |
| Contains: | In: Heythrop journal
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