Hans Küng was a Swiss Catholic priest, theologian, and author, known for his significant contributions to ecumenical theology and his critical stance on certain aspects of Catholic doctrine and practice. He passed away on April 6, 2021, at the age of 93.

What was Hans Küng's role in the Foundation for a Global Ethic?

From 1995 onwards, Hans Küng served as the president of the Foundation for a Global Ethic, also known as Stiftung Weltethos, an organization focused on promoting dialogue and understanding among different religions and cultures.

When was Hans Küng ordained as a priest, and when did he join the University of Tübingen?

Hans Küng was ordained a Catholic priest in 1954. He joined the faculty of the University of Tübingen in 1960, where he held a professorship in fundamental theology.

What significant role did Hans Küng play during the Second Vatican Council?

Hans Küng served as a theological adviser, known as a *peritus*, to participants during the Second Vatican Council from 1962 until its conclusion in 1965. He was notably one of the youngest expert theological advisors at the council.

What key Catholic doctrine did Hans Küng reject, and what were the consequences for his teaching position?

Hans Küng rejected the doctrine of papal infallibility. This stance led the Vatican to withdraw his license to teach as a Catholic theologian in 1979, although he continued to teach at the University of Tübingen as a professor of ecumenical theology until his retirement in 1996.

What was Hans Küng's general approach to religion and theology?

Küng supported the spiritual substance of religion while critically examining traditional dogmatic Christianity. He advocated for reform within the Church and emphasized dialogue between different faiths and with secular reason.

Where was Hans Küng born, and what was his family background?

Hans Küng was born in Sursee, Switzerland, on March 19, 1928. He was the eldest of seven siblings, and his father managed a shoe store.

What were the key institutions where Hans Küng pursued his higher education?

Küng studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He furthered his education at institutions including the Sorbonne and the Institut Catholique de Paris, where he earned his doctorate in theology in 1957.

What was the significance of Hans Küng's first Mass after his ordination?

After his ordination in 1954, Hans Küng delivered his first Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, preaching to the Swiss Guard, many of whom he knew personally.

Who invited Hans Küng to lecture on church reform, and what was his outlook?

Karl Barth invited Hans Küng to lecture on the prospects for reform of the Catholic Church. Küng was very optimistic about these prospects shortly before Pope John XXIII announced plans for a council in January 1959.

Where did Hans Küng teach before joining the University of Tübingen?

Prior to his appointment at the University of Tübingen in 1960, Hans Küng taught for one year at the University of Münster.

What was the impact of Hans Küng's 1960 book, 'The Council and Reunion'?

Published in 1960, 'The Council and Reunion' outlined many of the key ideas that would become central to the Second Vatican Council. The book proved to be a bestseller in several countries, indicating significant public interest in church reform.

How did Hans Küng contribute to the faculty at the University of Tübingen regarding Joseph Ratzinger?

At Küng's suggestion, the Catholic faculty at the University of Tübingen appointed Joseph Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI, as a professor of dogmatic theology in 1966.

What was the public reception of Hans Küng's lectures during his 1963 tour in the United States?

During his 1963 tour, Küng's lectures, such as "The Church and Freedom," were delivered to enthusiastic audiences of over 25,000 people across several universities. However, he was notably denied the opportunity to speak at the Catholic University of America.

What was the main finding of Hans Küng's doctoral thesis, 'Justification: The Doctrine of Karl Barth'?

Published in 1964, Küng's doctoral thesis identified several areas of agreement between the theological views of Karl Barth and Catholic theology concerning justification. He concluded that the differences were not fundamental enough to warrant a division within the Church, though Barth himself disagreed with this conclusion.

What criticisms did Hans Küng voice that led to Vatican scrutiny?

Küng's criticisms included rejecting papal infallibility, questioning mandatory celibacy for priests, advocating for the ordination of women, and stating that certain current Catholic practices contradicted the Gospel and ancient tradition. These views led the Vatican to open a file on him and eventually withdraw his teaching license.

When did the Vatican officially strip Hans Küng of his license to teach as a Catholic theologian?

The Vatican stripped Hans Küng of his license to teach as a Catholic theologian on December 18, 1979.

How did the academic and student communities react to the Vatican's censure of Hans Küng?

Following the Vatican's decision, sixty American and Canadian theologians publicly affirmed their recognition of Küng as a Catholic theologian, contradicting the Vatican's ruling. Additionally, a thousand students at the University of Tübingen held a candlelight vigil in protest.

How did Hans Küng describe his experience with the Vatican's ruling?

Küng described the Vatican's decision to withdraw his teaching license as "my personal experience of the Inquisition."

Despite losing his license to teach Catholic theology, what was Küng's academic status maintained?

Although removed from the Catholic faculty's jurisdiction, Küng remained a tenured professor of ecumenical theology at the University of Tübingen until his retirement in 1996. His Institute for Ecumenical Research, which he founded, was also moved outside the faculty's purview.

What was the core idea behind Hans Küng's 'Weltethos' project?

Initiated in the early 1990s, the 'Weltethos' (Global Ethic) project aimed to identify common principles and values shared by the world's major religions and to formulate a minimal code of conduct acceptable to all people.

What document was a key outcome of the 'Weltethos' project?

The vision of a global ethic was embodied in the document 'Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration,' which was signed by religious and spiritual leaders at the 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions.

How did Hans Küng view the relationship between steadfastness in one's own faith and interfaith dialogue?

Küng believed that being steadfast in one's own faith and having the capacity for dialogue with those of different beliefs were complementary virtues, reinforcing his own roots in faith while engaging with other religions.

What was Hans Küng's criticism of Pope John Paul II's pontificate?

Küng criticized Pope John Paul II's pontificate as authoritarian, stating it suppressed the rights of women and theologians and that his treatment of liberation theologians was unchristian.

What was Hans Küng's reaction to the beatification of Pope Pius IX?

Küng viewed the beatification of Pope Pius IX as evidence that canonizations were becoming "gestures of church politics" rather than reflections of genuine sanctity.

Describe the meeting between Hans Küng and Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.

On September 26, 2005, Hans Küng met with Pope Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo for a discussion. They focused on Küng's interreligious and cultural work, deliberately avoiding contentious topics, and the Pope acknowledged Küng's contributions to moral values through interfaith dialogue.

What criticism did Küng level against Pope Benedict XVI in a 2009 interview?

In a 2009 interview with Le Monde, Küng criticized Pope Benedict XVI for lifting the excommunications of four bishops from the Society of Saint Pius X. He suggested that Benedict's desire for a smaller, purer church risked turning it into a sect, attributing this to the Pope's isolation from contemporary society.

What proposals did Küng make in his 2010 open letter to Catholic bishops?

In an open letter, Küng criticized Pope Benedict XVI's handling of liturgical, collegial, and inter-religious issues, as well as the sexual abuse scandals. He urged bishops to speak out, pursue regional solutions, and consider convening another Vatican council.

What was the subject of Hans Küng's book 'On Being a Christian'?

In 'On Being a Christian' (1974), Küng explored the historical Jesus and his message, questioning whether starting with the historical figure of Jesus, rather than later theological formulations, would better align with the New Testament and modern historical thinking.

What was Hans Küng's stance on euthanasia as presented in 'Dying with Dignity'?

Co-authored with Walter Jens in 1998, 'Dying with Dignity' affirmed acceptance of euthanasia from a Christian perspective, advocating for personal responsibility in end-of-life decisions.

What was the theme of Hans Küng's book 'The Beginning of All Things – Science and Religion'?

In 'The Beginning of All Things,' Küng discussed the relationship between science and religion, analyzing topics from quantum physics to neuroscience and commenting on the evolution debate, dismissing opponents of evolution as unenlightened.

What personal belief did Küng express in 'Erlebte Menschlichkeit' ('Experienced Humanity') regarding end-of-life choices?

In 'Erlebte Menschlichkeit' (2013), Küng stated his belief that individuals have the right to end their own lives if physical illness, pain, or dementia makes life unbearable. He mentioned considering assisted suicide due to his Parkinson's disease.

What honor did Hans Küng receive in 2017 related to astronomy?

In 2017, the asteroid 190139 Hanskung was named in his honor by astronomer Vincenzo Casulli, recognizing his significant contributions.

Name three universities that awarded Hans Küng honorary doctorates.

Hans Küng received honorary doctorates from numerous institutions, including Saint Louis University (1963), the University of Glasgow (1971), and the University of Cambridge (1985).

How is Hans Küng referenced in Louise Erdrich's novel 'Future Home of the Living God'?

In Louise Erdrich's novel, the character Cedar Hawk Songmaker considers Hans Küng her favorite theologian, indicating his influence in contemporary literature.

What was the subject of Hans Küng's book 'The Catholic Church: A Short History'?

Published in 2001, 'The Catholic Church: A Short History' provides a concise overview of the historical development and key aspects of the Catholic Church.

What was the significance of the Otto Hahn Peace Medal awarded to Hans Küng in 2008?

Küng received the Otto Hahn Peace Medal in Gold for his "outstanding services to peace and international understanding," specifically for his work promoting humanity, tolerance, and dialogue between world religions.

What was the nature of the 'secret file' (399/57i) opened on Küng by the Holy Office?

The Holy Office opened a secret file on Küng shortly after he published his book 'The Church,' indicating early scrutiny by the Vatican regarding his theological positions.

What was the primary focus of the discussion between Hans Küng and Pope Benedict XVI?

Their discussion focused on Küng's interreligious and cultural work, with both parties deliberately avoiding topics of disagreement. Pope Benedict acknowledged Küng's efforts to promote moral values through dialogue.

What did Hans Küng advocate for in his 2010 open letter to Catholic bishops regarding church reform?

Küng urged bishops to address the sexual abuse scandals and criticized the Pope's handling of liturgical and inter-religious issues. He called for bishops to speak out, seek regional solutions, and consider convening another Vatican council.

What was the 'Church 2011' memorandum that Küng signed?

The 'Church 2011' memorandum, signed by Küng and other Catholic theology professors, was a call for reform within the Catholic Church, demanding a new beginning.

What was the title and theme of Küng's first major publication in 1960?

In 1960, Küng launched his writing career with 'The Council and Reunion,' a book that outlined much of the program for the upcoming Second Vatican Council and became a bestseller.

What was the main argument of Küng's book 'Infallible? An Inquiry'?

Published in 1971, 'Infallible? An Inquiry' marked Küng as the first major Catholic theologian since the Old Catholic Church schism to publicly challenge the doctrine of papal infallibility.

How did Küng's views on the Reformation differ from Karl Barth's, according to Küng's thesis?

While Küng found common ground between Barthian and Catholic theology on justification, he believed Barth, like Martin Luther, had overreacted against the Catholic Church. Barth, however, did not agree with Küng's conclusion that the Reformation was an overreaction.

What was the significance of the 'Parliament of the World's Religions' in relation to Küng's work?

The 'Parliament of the World's Religions' in 1993 was where Küng's 'Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration' was signed, embodying his vision for a shared ethical framework among diverse global traditions.

What was the context of Küng's visit to the White House in 1963?

In April 1963, Hans Küng accepted an invitation to visit President John F. Kennedy at the White House, where Kennedy referred to him as a 'new frontier man of the Catholic Church'.

What was Küng's perspective on the relationship between science and religion, as discussed in 'The Beginning of All Things'?

In 'The Beginning of All Things,' Küng explored the connections between science and religion, examining various scientific fields and their implications for theological understanding, while also dismissing opposition to the teaching of evolution.

What personal struggle did Küng reveal in his later writings concerning his health?

In his 2013 book 'Erlebte Menschlichkeit,' Küng discussed his experience with Parkinson's disease and indicated he was considering assisted suicide, expressing a desire not to emulate Pope John Paul II's prolonged suffering.

What was the reaction of the Pontifical Academy for Life to Hans Küng's death?

The Pontifical Academy for Life tweeted that Küng was a "great figure in the theology of the last century" whose ideas "must always make us reflect on the Catholic Church, the Churches, the society, the culture."

What did Charles Curran, a fellow theologian, say about Hans Küng's legacy?

Charles Curran described Küng as "the strongest voice for reform in the Catholic Church during the last 60 years" and noted Küng's prolific writing output, suggesting it was difficult for anyone to read all that he had written.

What is the significance of the asteroid 190139 Hanskung?

Asteroid 190139 Hanskung, discovered in 2005, was named in honor of Hans Küng in 2017, recognizing his life's work and contributions.

Hans K U00fcng Wiki: Hans Küng: A Life of Faith and Reason

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Early Life and Education

Origins

Hans Küng was born on March 19, 1928, in Sursee, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. He was the eldest of seven siblings, and his father managed a shoe store.

Academic Foundations

Küng pursued higher education in philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He continued his studies at institutions including the Sorbonne and the Institut Catholique de Paris, where he earned his doctorate in theology in 1957. He later engaged in pastoral work in Lucerne for two years.

Early Optimism

Küng's early theological work, such as his 1960 book *The Council, Reform and Reunion*, reflected an optimistic outlook on the potential for reform within the Catholic Church. His engagement as a theological advisor during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) further shaped his views on ecumenism and dialogue.

A Career of Influence and Controversy

Professorship and Vatican II

In 1960, Küng was appointed professor of fundamental theology at the University of Tübingen, Germany. His role as a theological advisor at the Second Vatican Council positioned him as a significant voice in shaping post-conciliar Catholic thought. He was instrumental in appointing Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) to a professorship at Tübingen.

Challenging Dogma

Küng's critical stance on certain Church doctrines, particularly papal infallibility, led to significant conflict with the Vatican. Following the publication of his book *Infallible? An Inquiry* (1971), the Holy Office initiated proceedings against him. In 1979, he was stripped of his license to teach as a Catholic theologian, though he retained his tenured professorship in ecumenical theology at Tübingen until his retirement.

Küng's critiques extended beyond papal infallibility to include issues such as mandatory clerical celibacy, the exclusion of women from the clergy, and the Church's handling of priests who wished to leave the priesthood. He described his experience with the Vatican as a "personal experience of the Inquisition." Despite the Vatican's actions, he remained a Catholic priest and continued his academic work, advocating for critical loyalty to the Church.

Global Engagement

Küng's influence extended internationally. He lectured widely in the United States, met with figures like John F. Kennedy, and participated in interfaith dialogues. His work consistently emphasized the need for dialogue and understanding between different religions and cultures.

Seminal Works

Theological Foundations

Küng authored numerous influential books. His early work, such as *Justification: The Doctrine of Karl Barth* (1964), explored theological agreements between Protestant and Catholic traditions. *On Being a Christian* (1974) delved into the historical Jesus and the essence of Christianity, prompting significant debate.

Dialogue and Ethics

His commitment to interfaith understanding is evident in works like *Christianity and the World Religions* (1986). He also addressed pressing social and ethical issues, co-authoring *Dying with Dignity* (1998), which affirmed a Christian perspective on euthanasia.

Justification: The Doctrine of Karl Barth and a Catholic Reflection (1964)
The Church (1967)
Infallible? An Inquiry (1971)
On Being a Christian (1974)
Does God Exist? An Answer For Today (1980)
Christianity and the World Religions (1986)
The Catholic Church: A Short History (2001)
My Struggle for Freedom: Memoirs (2003)
The Beginning of All Things: Science and Religion (2007)
Why I Am Still a Christian (2006)
Dying with Dignity (with Walter Jens, 1998)

Science, Religion, and Future

In later works, Küng explored the relationship between science and religion, as seen in *The Beginning of All Things* (2007), where he engaged with evolutionary theory and cosmology. He also continued to advocate for Church reform and a global ethic for peace.

Recognition and Honors

Prestigious Accolades

Throughout his distinguished career, Hans Küng received numerous international awards and honorary doctorates, recognizing his contributions to theology, ecumenism, and interfaith dialogue. These accolades underscore his global impact and the respect he commanded.

Otto Hahn Peace Medal (2008)
Niwano Peace Prize (2005)
Swiss Culture Prize
Karl Barth Prize
Theodor Heuss Foundation Prize
Numerous honorary doctorates from universities worldwide, including St. Louis University, University of Glasgow, University of Cambridge, and Hebrew Union College.

Naming Honor

In recognition of his life's work, the asteroid 190139 Hansküng was named in his honor in 2017, discovered by Vincenzo Casulli in 2005. This celestial tribute reflects the enduring significance of his intellectual and spiritual legacy.

Advocacy for Global Ethics

The Weltethos Project

In the early 1990s, Küng initiated the *Weltethos* ("Global Ethic") project. This ambitious endeavor sought to identify common values across the world's religions and to formulate a minimal code of conduct acceptable to all humanity. The project culminated in the "Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration" signed at the 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions.

Peace and Dialogue

Küng firmly believed that peace among nations was intrinsically linked to peace among religions. His advocacy for interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding was a cornerstone of his later work, aiming to foster a more tolerant and cooperative global community. He was recognized with the Otto Hahn Peace Medal for his efforts.

Intercultural Communication

His vision extended to intercultural communication, advocating for a shared understanding of fundamental human moral values. Küng's work provided a framework for dialogue between religions and secular reason, contributing to a more harmonious global society.

Critical Voice for Reform

Challenging Authority

Hans Küng was a prominent critic of what he perceived as authoritarian tendencies within the Catholic Church. His critiques of papal infallibility, Church governance, and the handling of theological dissent marked him as a significant, albeit controversial, figure.

Papal Critiques

Küng openly criticized Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI for their perceived resistance to reform, suppression of theologians, and handling of the sexual abuse crisis. He argued that certain papal actions and doctrines stifled dialogue and alienated believers, risking the Church's relevance.

Challenged mandatory clerical celibacy.
Advocated for the inclusion of women in ordained ministry.
Criticized the Church's stance on dispensations for priests leaving the priesthood.
Questioned the dogmatic structures and restorationist tendencies of certain pontificates.
Called for Church reform and a new Vatican Council.

Dialogue Amidst Disagreement

Despite his sharp critiques, Küng maintained his identity as a Catholic priest and emphasized "critical loyalty." He believed that constructive criticism was essential for the Church's vitality and its ability to engage meaningfully with the modern world and other religious traditions.

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References

im Dialog der Religionen wie in der Begegnung mit der sÃ¤kularen Vernunft zu einer erneuerten Anerkennung der wesentlichen moralischen Werte der Menschheit beizutragen

"Emptiness, Kenosis, History, and Dialogue: The Christian Response to Masao Abe's Notion of 'Dynamic Sunyata' in the Early Years of the AbeâCobb BuddhistâChristian Dialogue", Buddhist-Christian Studies, Vol. 24, 2004.

"Noted theologian Hans Kung to speak at USCD, synagogue", Rita Gillmon. The San Diego Union, San Diego, Calif.: 9 March 1991. p. B.11

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hans Küng Wikipedia page

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This is not theological or philosophical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional theological consultation, academic study, or personal spiritual guidance. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries.

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Hans Küng: A Life of Faith and Reason

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Education 🌱

📍 Origins

🎓 Academic Foundations

🕊️ Early Optimism

A Career of Influence and Controversy ⚖️

🏛️ Professorship and Vatican II

📜 Challenging Dogma

🌍 Global Engagement

Seminal Works 📚

📖 Theological Foundations

🗣️ Dialogue and Ethics

💡 Science, Religion, and Future

Recognition and Honors 🏆

🏅 Prestigious Accolades

⭐ Naming Honor

Advocacy for Global Ethics 🤝

🌐 The Weltethos Project

⚖️ Peace and Dialogue

💬 Intercultural Communication

Critical Voice for Reform 📢

🗣️ Challenging Authority

⚖️ Papal Critiques

🤝 Dialogue Amidst Disagreement

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Education

Origins

Academic Foundations

Early Optimism

A Career of Influence and Controversy

Professorship and Vatican II

Challenging Dogma

Global Engagement

Seminal Works

Theological Foundations

Dialogue and Ethics

Science, Religion, and Future

Recognition and Honors

Prestigious Accolades

Naming Honor

Advocacy for Global Ethics

The Weltethos Project

Peace and Dialogue

Intercultural Communication

Critical Voice for Reform

Challenging Authority

Papal Critiques

Dialogue Amidst Disagreement

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice