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, known for his critical views on the Catholic Church’s doctrines and his work in promoting ecumenical dialogue. Born in Sursee, Switzerland, Küng was ordained as a priest in 1954 and earned his doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. His academic journey led him to the University of Tübingen in Germany, where he became a professor of theology. Küng was a key figure during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), where he served as a theological advisor. His progressive views, especially his questioning of papal infallibility, often put him at odds with the Vatican. Despite this, he continued to be an influential voice in theology, advocating for reforms within the Church and fostering interreligious dialogue. Küng authored numerous books, including “On Being a Christian” and “Does God Exist?”, which have been translated into multiple languages. His work extended beyond the confines of Catholicism, addressing global ethical issues and promoting a “Global Ethic” through the Parliament of the World’s Religions.

5 Interesting Facts about Hans Kung

1. Hans Küng was stripped of his license to teach Catholic theology in 1979 due to his controversial views but continued to teach ecumenical theology at the University of Tübingen.

2. He was a contemporary and friend of Pope Benedict XVI (then Joseph Ratzinger) during their early academic careers, although their theological views diverged significantly over time.

3. Küng founded the Global Ethic Foundation in 1995, aiming to promote understanding and cooperation between different religions.

4. He received numerous awards for his contributions to theology and interfaith dialogue, including the Niwano Peace Prize in 2005.

5. Küng’s autobiography, published in three volumes, provides an in-depth look at his life, thoughts, and the controversies he was involved in.

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. “The gospel is not a doctrine of the tongue, but of life.”

3. “The church must be constantly renewed if it is not to become rigid and ossified.”

4. “To be a Christian does not mean to be religious in a particular way, to make something of oneself which is called a sinner, a penitent, or a saint, but to be a man.”

5. “We are not allowed to speak and to write in such a way that the conscience of the community is distressed.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Hans Küng’s exact net worth is not publicly documented, but as an academic and author, his wealth would primarily derive from his teaching positions, book royalties, and speaking engagements. It is estimated that his net worth could have been in the range of $1 million to $5 million.

Children

Hans Küng did not have any biological children, as he was a celibate Roman Catholic priest. However, he mentored many students and young theologians throughout his academic career.