The Problem of Human Animality in Contemporary Theological Anthropology

Abstract

After demonstrating the tensions and contradictions that surround the problem of human animality in fourth-century theological anthropology, this chapter demonstrates that although twentieth century theological anthropology utilizes a different vocabulary, it is nevertheless structured around the same basic conceptual problem—and is no less conflicted than its ancient counterpart. A survey of eleven theologians demonstrates a rough consensus around the idea that a fundamental “openness to God” distinguishes human beings from other animals categorically. Subsequently, the chapter analyzes the work of Karl Rahner and Wolfhart Pannenberg to demonstrate the particular tensions and contradictions that human animality generates in contemporary theological anthropology.