Bernard Lonergan's Philosophy of Religion

Book Description

Jim Kanaris opens a window into the profound theological mind of Bernard Lonergan, revealing how one of the twentieth century's most influential religious thinkers approached the deepest questions about God and spiritual experience. This scholarly exploration uncovers the unique way Lonergan developed his understanding of divine reality, moving beyond traditional categories to forge new pathways between philosophical inquiry and religious insight.

Rather than following conventional approaches to religious philosophy, Lonergan crafted his own distinctive framework, weaving together natural theology, consciousness studies, and the transformative power of religious experience. Kanaris carefully traces how these elements evolved throughout Lonergan's intellectual journey, showing how his thinking matured and deepened over time.

The book illuminates Lonergan's controversial arguments for God's existence while examining his innovative understanding of consciousness and its role in spiritual discovery. Readers will discover how Lonergan viewed religious experience not as a separate category, but as an integral dimension of human awareness that shapes our encounter with ultimate reality.

For those seeking to understand how rigorous philosophical thinking can inform and enrich spiritual life, this work offers valuable insights into one theologian's systematic approach to bridging the gap between rational inquiry and religious faith. Kanaris presents complex ideas with clarity, making Lonergan's sophisticated framework accessible to serious students of religious thought.