At the Service of the Church : Henri de Lubac Reflects on the Circumstances that Occasioned his Writings

This book includes essays, notes, and reviews reflecting the fundamental ideas and key writings of Henri de Lubac, one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth century.  In these pages Cardinal de Lubac explains the origin, meaning, and fate of his works, in the context of his life, studies, personal relationships, as well as his legendary exiles, and his later vindication.  At the Service of the Church provides crucial insights into the work of a man who profoundly shaped the Church, including the teaching of the Second Vatican Council.  No student of contemporary theology can afford to neglect de Lubac’s work and this book gives readers a unique perspective on that work.  This volume is also an important source for understanding the renewed theological debates regarding nature and grace, the natural desire for God, and the authentic interpretation of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Henri de Lubac, S.J., was a French Jesuit and one of the leading twentieth century theologians.  He is the author of numerous seminal works of theology, among them his masterpiece Catholicism.  Referring to Henri de Lubac and de Lubac’s colleague and friend, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Pope Benedict XVI stated, “I cannot even begin to say how much I owe to my encounter with them”.  Father de Lubac was named a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1983.   De Lubac’s other works include The Splendor of the Church, The Drama of Atheist Humanism, and A Brief Catechesis on Nature and Grace.