Why I Am Still a Christian | 
 enlarge | Authors: Hans Kung, E. C. Hughes
Publisher: Continuum
Category: Book
List Price: $21.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 326662
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 82
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 6.8 x 4.8 x 0.4
ISBN: 0826476988
Dewey Decimal Number: 239
EAN: 9780826476982
ASIN: 0826476988
Publication Date: February 28, 2006
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 Vague and disappointing April 25, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Hans Kung has been a leading Catholic theologian for many decades. Originally part of an influential group of theologians at the time of Vatican II, he has become increasingly suppressed by the Church as he continued to voice positions viewed as dissent. He has remained in the Church despite losing his authority to teach Catholic theology.
The question, "Why I am Still Catholic" would be more interesting in light of this history, but Kung teases us at least with this one. Unfortunately, he gives us answers that will convince no one of anything.
He starts with the claim that societies need values to function, and that Christian values have proven themselves to provide a good foundation for a stable society. The Christopher Hitchens of the world would certainly object, but let us ignore them. Is this really the justification for holding Christian values? Can one choose to hold these values instrumentally because one believes that if most people were to hold them, society would work better? Surely that cannot be Kung's answer.
Of course, it's not his entire answer. But all too often this book makes the case for Christianity in vague terms: Christian values are good values. Christian values make room for the young while honoring the positions of the elderly. (I'm still puzzling over this one.) Missing here is any sense of what Christianity *is*, what Christians *profess*, or what Christianity's values *are*.
Coming from a man of his stature, Kung's failure to talk about these things is stunning and inexplicable. Basic beliefs (the Nicene Creed, say) or ethics ("feed the hungry, heal the sick...") are nowhere to be found.
Why does Kung remain Catholic? Because he is stubborn and afraid to change his mind. He admits as much: "because firmness of character, holding on to convictions . . . [is] not to be regarded as fashionable attitudes . . . but as fundamental moral obligations"; and "because we cannot change a fundamental attitude in life as we might change a coat" or "because we ought not to betray the dreams of our youth." If developed more fully, those might be persuasive - - but those sentences are the complete answer. They would apply as well to the question, "Why I am Still a Stamp Collector."
I have learned much from Kung's other books, which made this one all the more disappointing. Many of the glowing reviews here praise the man more than the book. I too praise the man but cannot recommend the book.
 Keeping Faith November 3, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Hans Kung is a catholic priest in good standing. However, because of some of his unorthodox ideas, such as questioning the infallibility of the Pope, he has been silenced as a theologian. One of the theological consultants at the Vatican Council in the 1960s, he no longer can teach Catholic theology. He has suffered for his creativity and his willingness to think differently. Yet, the crux of the book is this: Despite the terrible treatment he has received from the Church, he has chosen to remain faithful because there is more to being a Christian than the way other people act toward you. He tells what being a Christian means to him. It strengthens your faith. It is a book for all Christians who may feel torn by the policies of their Church or the actions of Church leaders.
Catholism August 12, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Dr Kung perseveres in the spirit of Vatican II. He expresses the views of many American Catholics. His view of the Papal authority is one I can live with. He deals with why we have a divided church and offers positive solutions[
It could have been titled "why I'm still a Catholic".
Why I Am Still a Christian November 3, 2006
3 out of 6 found this review helpful
The book is an excellent review of faith and why we still believe even after the Church changes what has been and what should be. Dr Kueng believes in the scriptures and that the Catholic Church should try to adhere to them as oposed to making rules on their own. He is a very austute and concise writer and should be listened too on subjects of religion and faith. His views are based on scriptures and are sound and belivable.
The Courage to be "Christian" August 1, 2004
27 out of 28 found this review helpful
Hans Kung:
The prominent Swiss Catholic theologian, born in 1928, is an ecumenical phenomenon, that has been speaking out loud trying to awaken Christian consciousness. Since Vatican II, where Kung was appointed 'Peritus' by Pope John, the Vatican's 'Sacred' Congregation for Doctrine & Faith activated an inquiry into his dossier and forbade his book, 'the Church' to be translated or even discussed. Meanwhile his: 'Infallible? An inquiry' generated a worldwide acclaim, that caused his censure. On December 18, 1979, the Vatican curia issued a declaration against Kung's doctrinal views, and withdrew his canonical mission to teach Catholic theology!
Why Kung stayed faithful?
This concise essay, crystal clear, and prophetically insightful is no doubt Kung's most fundamental statement on the essentials of Christian faith. Simply, a personal testimony by a great Christian, written with the layperson in mind, yet would oblige all serious theologians. Kung presents his basic theological conviction, which is the core of his thought, as represented in his basic works; 'Christianity, Essence, History, and Future,' and 'On Being a Christian,' etc. It iterates great works by other reformers like John Robinson's; "The difference in being a Christian", and Paul Tillich's 'The courage to be.'
Even for those who disagree with Kung's theological positions as stated in his numerous books: 'My struggle for freedom', 'Reforming the Church Today', 'Infallible?: An inquiry', etc., Hans Kung, remains faithful, like all earnest apostolates who called for the renewal of the Church, through the Holy spirit, the source of its life and power, according to the promise of her Victor Christ.
The Courage to be "Christian"
I was deeply moved by Kung's Christian faith and commitment, as it was pleasantly presented in this compact book. All authentic Christians, should read this faithful testament, to realize how we all share the true foundations of our common faith, with our Catholic, Protestant and Eastern brothers. This "personal testimony" reveals his tender heart and passionate devotion, not merely his theological erudition and scholarly achievements. Reading this book is an excellent attempt to meet with Kung, with the faithful who abides with the teaching authority of only the Christ. Accordingly, Kung asserts his conviction that real Christianity, against nominal institutional, and petrified traditional Christianity, has the core values, and essence of an abundant and meaningful life, ever renewed by love that upgrade us to sonship in viewpoints, actions, motives, and attitudes.
"How Do We Persevere?"
Only one who has had the courage to try, even oppressed by the Curia but never defeated, could have shared his experience with the Church of Karl Barth, St. John of San Francisco, Karl Rahner, Abba Kyrillos, and all the people of God. He stated that with clarity on the reason and means to persevere. In conclusion Kung challenges us all -- divided Christians-- to hear the Spirit's calling to unity in the mystical body of Christ.
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