Karl Rahner has been troubling orthodox theologians for some years with his theory of “anonymous Christians” — “God's grace, with its power to save the world, works for the most part anonymously.” They were quick to point out that this highly rationalistic theory was supported neither by Scripture nor by tradition. And yet, they felt that the issues he raised deserved careful investigation, rather than rejection out of hand. In this article Father Schreiter undertakes a review of these theological themes and issues, isolates three major criticisms or needed correctives, and seeks an alternate base in what he terms the wisdom tradition of the Bible. He challenges us all to think more deeply on the spiritual condition of those who know not Jesus Christ the Lord.
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