Interruptions – Mysticism, Politics, and Theology in the Work of Johann Baptist Metz: Studies in Spirituality and Theology

“This text . . . presents a comprehensive look at the theological development of Metz, and in particular examines closely Metz’s shift from Rahnerian transcendental thought to the political theology that has marked his major contributions, while arguing that Metz has stayed in essential continuity with Rahner. At a second and more important level, the work takes us into a discussion of the relationships between spirituality and theology. This time, Metz is viewed as a man who has struggled throughout his life to find a way to blend prayer and theology and has discovered it finally in his sustained attention to suffering. In his concluding chapter Ashley locates the differences between Rahner and Metz in the distinct spiritualities that influence each. From Metz’s perspective, Rahner’s mysticism is too individualistic. The political or prophetic dimension is lacking. This extremely well-written work is commended to all with an interest in Rahner, Metz, or the interrelations of spirituality and theology.” —Religious Studies Review