Disputed Truth: Memoirs II
by Hans Kung
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Book Summary Information
Author: Hans KungTranslator: James Bowden
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-07
ISBN: 0826499104
Number of pages: 576
Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group
Book Reviews of Disputed Truth: Memoirs II
Book Review: One of the great autobiographies
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a truly fine book.
The second volume of Dr. Hans Kung's memoirs is vintage Kung: encyclopedic, opinionated but fair, quite engaging in style, and fascinating in detail. Bowden's translation brilliantly conveys into English Kung's verve and intensity in German (I have to take this as the case based on opinions of friends who read German fluently) - translator and author are very well matched in talent. Highly recommended (indeed, required) reading for any student of modern religion, theology, Christianity, or the Roman Catholic Church. Kung's courage, honesty, and humanity come through clearly, as in his first volume, but here his style is even more relaxed. He is a towering figure in theology, a scholar of amazing intellect, and a great man, and there is much to take in and benefit from here.
His dedication to the gospel message of Christianity is telling and present throughout the book, and his love for this church is readily apparent - he is an fine example of the value and tenacity of "the loyal opposition."
This does come to the point: many readers will be curious about Kung's treatment of the controversy that has been central to his life, and this book is the one to read if you want his take on the events that made him a hero to those who love intellectual freedom and revere the true message of Christianity. Those people will also be angered by the decades of persecution Kung has suffered. It will also interest, but probably further enrage, those who hold very highly conservative views in the Roman Catholic church. I only hope that those in the latter camp will actually read the entire book and try to keep an open mind while doing so.
Kung's treatment of Dr. Joseph Ratzinger (the current Pope Benedict XVI) is detailed, very fair, and full of insight into this man as a person and a scholar. I can only say that you must read the whole book to appreciate the care Kung took in writing about his changing and complex relationship with Father Ratzinger.
One note: the Amazon Editorial Review is incorrect when it states that "This second volume covers the period following the close of the Second Vatican Council right up to the present day." That was Kung's intent when he closed volume one. But in this book he was only able to describe his life up to about 1980. There are only a few remarks about events after that year, scattered about the book and present in his opening and closing sections. He clearly state that, Deo Volente, he will conclude with a third volume that brings his life up to the present. I am glad that Kung made this decision, since, for historical reasons alone, we need the sort of detail he gives in the present book.
I am basically a Protestant in my orientation as a Christian, which influences my outlook as a person and as a professional scholar of religion; I hasten to add that I have always deeply respected the Roman Catholic Church, and Kung's many writings, including this book, have only increased my respect, admiration, and affection for this great denomination. Kung has fought nobly to return his church to it's true gospel roots and greatness, and for the reuniting of all Christendom, as well as for religious tolerance and religious freedom worldwide. I find this volume, and his life, very moving. May God grant this fine man the health and years to write the third installment of his autobiography, and perhaps other books as well.
This book is in the line of great autobiography, an Apologia Pro Vita Sua for our day. Five stars plus, Father Kung!!!!
Summary of Disputed Truth: Memoirs II
Hans K?ng has been a major influence on post-war Christianity by any reckoning. A peritus for the Second Vatican Council, he then went on to publish a number of controversial books, including Infallible?, which enraged the Vatican and caused him to lose the ecclesiastical approval of his teaching at the university of T?bingen. However, he remains a respected priest in good standing with his bishop.Throughout all the upheavals that the Catholic Church has undergone in recent decades, K?ng has been an outspoken observer, turning himself from enfant terrible to b?te noire. However his world influence has been great. Whether speaking at the United Nations or consorting with politicians and religious leaders, he is always listened to with respect and enthusiasm. A string of recent books has added to the reputation--notably On Being a Christian and Does God Exist?
What is not so well known is that, as a young man, K?ng was a close friend and confidant of Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI). Over the years, however, they increasingly came to represent exactly what the other most despised. But on being appointed to the Holy See, Ratzinger had a long private meeting with Kung, the consequences of which may resonate within the Catholic Church for many years. In these thrilling memoirs K?ng gives his personal account of all these struggles and ambitions. The result is a book of major importance for any student of the church in the 20th century. This second volume covers the period following the close of the Second Vatican Council right up to the present day.
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