Fr. Richard Lennan, Dr. Theol., is Professor of Systematic Theology in the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College. He is an expert on the theology of Church, the theology of ministry, and fundamental theology. He holds a Master of Philosophy from the University of Oxford and a Doctorate in Theology from the University of Innsbruck in Austria.
Fr. Lennan is the author of The Ecclesiology of Karl Rahner (Oxford University Press, 1995), Risking the Church: The Challenges of Catholic Faith (Oxford University Press, 2004), and The Possibility of Belief: The Challenges and Prospects of Catholic Faith (St Paul’s, 2004). He has also published numerous articles and edited several books on the Church and its ministry, including Hope: The Possibility of Christian Life (Paulist Press, 2013). He edited An Introduction to Catholic Theology (Paulist Press, 1998). Ordained a priest in 1983, he has served as President of the Australian Catholic Theological Association and worked with many groups and organizations engaged in pastoral planning.
Praise for Richard Lennan
“Richard Lennan is both an expert on Rahner’s thought, and an inspiring teacher, able to get complex ideas across in a way that makes them clear and attractive.” – Philip Endean, S.J., University of Oxford
“Fr. Richard Lennan is widely acknowledged as one of the most authoritative interpreters of Karl Rahner’s works today. Much in demand as a speaker, he is the author of numerous books and articles making Rahner’s work accessible both to those meeting Rahner for the first time and those seeking to deepen their knowledge.” – Mary E. Hines, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College
Maureen –
very good
A very informative and accessible overview of Rahner’s thought – well articulated and presented.
Anthony L. Schapker, Newburgh, IN –
*
Excellent presentation on theology of Karl Rahner and his concept of grace.
Margaret Conroy, St. Cloud, Minnesota USA –
*
The content was SO enriching and insightful. It was not an easy subject but the presenter was EXCELLENT in teaching it to bring understanding and application. He obviously knows his subject WELL and is eager to share this with us. THANK YOU. I would be interested in more courses taught by Fr. Richard Lennan, Dr. Theology.
Angela Carroll rsj, Australia –
*
These lectures gave a clear and enthusiastic rendering of Rahner, understandable for beginners. Of course, much more so for us Australians who love to hear things in our own lingo
William Mulcahey, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA –
*
It was a wonderful review and perspective-setting of a theologian I had studied and admired years ago.
William J. Meyer, S.M., Saint Louis, Missouri –
*
It is a great introduction to the study of his writings.
Sister Janet –
Exellent!!!! Exellent!!!
Fr. Lennan clearly has a love for Karl Rahner and because of that, he unravels the theology of the leading theologian of the 20th century for others so that we can understand what a Grace Rahner’s theolgy was to all of us. It was such a joy to listen to him and listen to him explain Rahner to us.
Angela –
An attractive conversational style.
The presenter put across his material clearly with an attractive conversational style , convincing many of us that Rahner’s teaching on Grace, for example, is familiar to us.
Peg –
Fr. Richard Lennan’s content and presentation was excellent.
Considering how difficult Karl Rahner’s theology can be, Fr. Richard Lennan’s content and presentation was excellent. I’ve listened to it several times and learn more each time. He opened up a whole new faith understanding and experience. He is an excellent teacher.
Patricia –
Fr. Lennan gives a thorough review of Fr. Karl Rahner.
What makes it special is that it helped me to understand and appreciate Fr. Karl Rahner and his thoughts in a new way. Fr. Lennan gives a thorough review of Fr. Karl Rahner.
Paul –
Understanding his thought process helps understand Vatican II.
Rahner’s ideas were instrumental in the development of some documents of Vatican II. Understanding his thought process helps understand Vatican II.
Anonymous –
I learned a lot about his life that I hadn’t known, and it made key elements of his theology understandable for me.
I learned a lot about his life that I hadn’t known, and it made key elements of his theology understandable for me. I had to get used to the accent, but it was clear, enjoyable, and I listened to it twice to get things I’d missed.
S., PA , USA –
Fall Survey: October 2016
The lecturer is professional and the course as well. It is as good or better than any online course I have done; I would argue that the one about Job would be similar. Great course materials. I’ve paid five times as much for online classes which were lower in quality. The only differ is that in those courses my assignments were graded.
Sr. Genevieve –
Easily understood
Karl Rahner presents the graciousness of God very beautifully and his thought was distilled by the author in a way that was easily understood.
Sr. Angela –
Excellent teaching
A very clear exposé of Rahner’s life and theology. Easy to listen to. Excellent teaching.
T. D., ID –
Winter Survey: January 2017
Enthusiastic presenter with edifying delivery and superior mastery of notoriously difficult material, so as to make it accessible to those with a modicum of familiarity with systematics.
Deacon Paul G., MD –
Winter Survey: January 2017
Karl Rahner is one of the most influential theologians of the 20th Century. This presentation gave insight into his background, his thought, and how he articulated theology for the 20th Century.
Anonymous –
Spring Survey: April 2017
Father Lennan is a good teacher: what he presented had clarity and depth and gave you a feel of Rahner himself. The content could be used for a retreat…was uplifting.
Ron, CA –
2017 Christmas Survey
I had a new understanding of the greatness of God’s grace.
Raymond R., MN –
2018 Spring Survey
Mastery of the subject matter, presented in a very understandable manner, supported by appropriate accompanying materials.