Visions of Hope: Emerging Theologians and the Future of the Church ed. by Kevin J. Ahern (review)

In the spirit of Pope Paul VI’s 1966 letter to the International Theological Congress, Visions of Hope takes as its starting point the “renewing breath” of Vatican II. With Massimo Faggioli and editor Kevin J. Ahern, a team of twenty authors from seven countries analyzes the state of the council’s vision and suggests ways for cultivating the “seeds of life” planted at the council.

Ahern’s introduction situates the volume’s essays within the context of the church’s dialogue with the contemporary world. Faggioli examines the relevance of the council vis-à-vis the relationship between intra-ecclesial expressions of faith and the church’s relationship to society, concluding that the “joy and hope” of which the council speaks not only describe its manner of engagement with the world, but also provide the key to understanding its teachings.

Building on this foundation, essays on liturgy consider the church as mystical body through the lens of critical theory (e.g. Judith Butler) and explore the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion vis-à-vis hospitality and disability. Essays on ministry present a compelling relational ethics of ecclesial authority rooted in the baptismal priesthood and call for a renewed consideration of the structures that undergird ecclesial ministry. One such essay focuses on the continued renewal of the permanent diaconate as a bridge between celibate and non-celibate vocations. Two excellent essays address interreligious and ecumenical dialogue, focusing on the dynamics of evangelization and mutuality in light of scripture and on common consultation and discernment as a means to an ecumenical sensus fidelium, or consensus ecclesiarium, respectively. After three essays on moral theology – one of which insightfully uses the Trinitarian anthropology of the Focolare movement to illustrate the potential value of lay movements for a church in crisis, the volume concludes with a section on ecclesiology. A helpful conclusion summarizes these essays and points the way to realizing the hope to which the book’s title refers.

In sum, Visions provides excellent material for discussions of Vatican II especially appropriate for introductory courses. In addition, the authors’ extensive research – found in the footnotes – will provide anyone researching the council with excellent material for further reading. As an outstanding resource for students of theology by students of theology seeking to bring the teachings of Vatican II to bear on the contemporary situation, Visions is a valuable addition to any college library.