Or, at least, that seems to be the general feeling at one influential paper:
The Vatican newspaper has criticized the Swiss-born Roman Catholic theologian Hans Kung after he accused Pope Benedict XVI of an “unecumenical luring away” of discontented Anglicans.A column signed by the editor of L’Osservatore Romano, Giovanni Maria Vian, in Thursday’s (Oct. 29) edition said an article by Kung published in several European newspapers contained “lies and inaccuracies”.
The Vatican announced in October that Benedict will set up a structure to allow former Anglicans to enter full communion with the Catholic Church, while preserving elements of Anglican spiritual and liturgical practices.
Observers have said the scheme is directed mainly at Anglicans who disagree with the ordination of women and of homosexuals.
In his article, published in English by The Guardian newspaper in London, Kung described Benedict’s action as “a dramatic change of course: steering away from the well-proven ecumenical strategy of eye-level dialogue and honest understanding.”
“The Roman thirst for power divides Christianity and damages its own church,” Kung wrote. “It is a tragedy.”
The Vatican revoked Kung’s license to teach Catholic theology in 1979 after he criticized church teachings on papal infallibility and the virgin birth.
The Vatican newspaper accused Kung of distorting Benedict’s intentions, “an action that aims at restoring the unity [of the Church] desired by Christ.”
There’s more at the link.
posted November 4, 2009 at 10:19 am
How long have you wanted to write that headline?
posted November 4, 2009 at 10:29 am
Years.
I’m glad I was able to get that out of my system …
posted November 4, 2009 at 1:50 pm
While people are, of course, free to disagree with Fr. Kung on this or any other issue, I think his body of work is far more significant than these comments would suggest. He has been a respected theologian for decades, working in partnership with his older German colleagues, such as Karl Rahner, at Vatican II along with his contemporary Josef Ratzinger, and later colleagues such as Walter Kasper.
No one has ever condemned him as a man, a priest, or as a Catholic. While his positions are sometimes controversial, he continues to offer insights that should be taken seriously by thoughtful people.
Bill
posted November 4, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I have to disagree with Deacon Bill only insofar as his grammar tense. While he has been a respected theologian for decades, and his work certainly is significant, I think that he has fairly well ceased to offer insights that should be taken seriously by thoughtful people.
I don’t think that we should dismiss what he has to say outright just because he is the one who said it. However, I think that he has pretty much cashed in most of the credibility that his considerable intellectual work purchased, so that the import of what he has to say depends now on the content of what he has to say rather than the fact that is was Hans Kung who said it .. and in my opinion, that has been of very little import for some time.
posted November 4, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Some of us Catholics have great respect for Hans Kung, one of the few willing to say what is on his mind. He has paid the price for his frankness. His contributions to our religion stand as a reminder of what might have been if more of us had more courage.
posted November 4, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I think it also has to do with his manner of critique. It is one thing to be provocative and curious…it is another to be harsh and uncharitable for the sake of media attention. He has always made his criticisms personal, where Ratzinger has treated him with great respect, despite their theological differences.
Unfortunately Keung’s very large ego has compromised his intellectual contributions.
posted November 5, 2009 at 9:46 am
Kung represents a dated and, frankly, worn out revision of neo-scholasticism. It is the same problem with Rahner. This theology has all passed its expiration date and is ready to be consigned to textbooks as a period of thought, not as a workable theological system. Kung also is so full of himself, that it is really unseemly. Robert Barron’ The Priority of Christ is truly cutting edge.