Hans Kung

Date of Birth: March 19, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: April 6, 2021

Biography

Hans Küng was a Swiss Roman Catholic priest, theologian, and author, renowned for his work in the field of ecumenical theology and his critical views on certain doctrines of the Catholic Church. Born in Sursee, Switzerland, Küng studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and was ordained a priest in 1954. He later earned a doctorate in theology from the Sorbonne in Paris. Küng gained international prominence in the 1960s for his role as an expert theological advisor during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). He was a vocal advocate for modernization and reform within the Church. However, his critical stance on papal infallibility and other Church doctrines led to tensions with the Vatican. In 1979, the Vatican withdrew his license to teach as a Catholic theologian, although he remained a priest. Despite the controversies, Küng continued to write, lecture, and advocate for dialogue among world religions. He authored numerous books, including “On Being a Christian” and “Does God Exist?” His work has had a lasting impact on contemporary theology and interfaith dialogue.

5 Interesting Facts about Hans Kung

1. Hans Küng was one of the youngest theologians appointed as a peritus (expert advisor) at the Second Vatican Council.

2. He was stripped of his Catholic teaching license in 1979 due to his dissenting views on papal infallibility.

3. Küng founded the Global Ethic Foundation in 1995 to promote dialogue between world religions and ethical standards.

4. He was a prolific author, having written over 50 books and numerous articles on theology, ethics, and religion.

5. Küng was awarded the Otto Hahn Peace Medal in 2008 for his efforts in promoting peace and understanding among different religions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hans Kung

1. “There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions.”

2. “I am not a desert; I am a forest.”

3. “I wanted to show that faith is not a question of being able to affirm certain things but of being able to live a certain way.”

4. “The Church must be credible by being transparent and accountable.”

5. “Doubt is the other side of faith.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Hans Küng’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his influence and contributions to theology and interfaith dialogue are considered invaluable.