Anthony J. Kelly

The Body of Christ: Amen!: The Expanding Incarnation

The article aims to refresh Christian sensibilities to the bodily character of ecclesial existence. It links Christs incarnation with the continuing formation of his Body, arguing against any suggestion that the incarnation is less real following his resurrection and ascension than prior to them. Though massive changes have occurred in our understanding of the material universe, the expanding event of the incarnation remains the focus of Christian intentionality. In its commitment to the reality of God-with-us in Christ, an adequate theology of the Body of Christ can appeal to various analogical perspectives on the meaning of “bodiliness.”

Human consciousness, God and creation

This article explores the often-overlooked dimension of human consciousness in the consideration of both creation and the Creator. To that end, it treats the phenomenon of consciousness and its self-transcending dynamism. There follow brief remarks on consciousness in relation to the traditional meaning of ‘soul’ and the modern achievements in brain-research. The way creation in its beauty and variety is registered in consciousness is then treated, along with the implied character of the Creator. Our conclusion points to the need for a multiplicity of perspectives in exploring the mystery of creation.

Eschatology and hope for nature

Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ provokes the need for both an ecological and eschatological reflection on how ultimate fulfilment in Christ includes the liberation and transformation of earthly nature itself. Hope envisages the end when God will be ‘all in all’ (1 Cor 15:28). The biblical perspectives presenting the City of God (Rev 21:5), and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev 12:11) extend the range and concreteness of this hope, along with the God-willed multiplicity of creation and the primordial creativity of love itself. The focus remains incarnational in that the Word not only became flesh but also is an ‘earthling’ in a particular planetary environment. Consequently, eschatological fulfilment does not entail the abolition of the natural world, but anticipates its unimaginable fulfilment.

The ecumenism of ecology

In the light of Pope Francis’s encyclical on ecology, Laudato si’, this article points to the ecumenical significance of an ecological conversion as integral to the Christian vocation and the promotion of an authentic catholicity. Etymologically speaking, a ‘religious’ commitment intrinsically brings together spiritual and ecological concerns, and inspires new choices in our moral conduct. In ecumenical terms, among the many possible topics, those of creation, Trinity and Eucharist suggest broad and deep dimensions of ecological vision and commitment for the churches that can continue to grow.

The Ascension and the Eucharist.

The ascension of Christ and the Eucharistic real presence at first glance seem almost contradictory: Jesus is present in the Eucharist, but absent because of the ascension. Despite this conundrum, this article hopes to show that the Eucharist is not a substitute for the absence of the ascended Jesus, but more the sacramental disclosure of what the ascension means: Christ fills all things and the risen and ascended One draws all creation to its fullness in him; this is the context in which ‘transubstantiation’ is to be understood. Horizontal (centripetal/centrifugal) approaches to the real presence need another dimension as supplied by the mystery of the ascension, namely, the vertical.

Refreshing Experience: The Christ-Event as Fact, Classic, and Phenomenon

This article accepts that theology is always in danger of becoming abstract and losing its distinctive sense of reality. Part of the problem is the way a critical theology can become removed from experience. A constructive response to this problem—of special relevance to theological education and pastoral communication—is fostering an interplay in Christian experience between the empirical ‘fact’ of Christianity, the ‘classic’ form of Christian revelation, and ‘the phenomenon’ of God’s self-revelation experienced in the corporate consciousness of the Church.

Mary and the creed: Icon of Trinitarian love

The author presents some basic themes of Mariology within the framework of seven fundamental, credal terms: Father, Son, Cross, Resurrection, Spirit, Church, Eternal Life. By grounding Mariology in the Nicene Creed, he endeavours to relate Marian doctrine to that on the Trinity and to show the significance of Marys presence to the Church.