Books like On Being a Christian

I first read this in 1975, soon after the Eng. translation came out. I found it to be an amazing and serious liberal R.C. exploration of the major questions of christian theology. Certainly it should be considered on the same level as many of the great protestant theologians (e.g. Tillich, Bonhoeffer, Bultmann, Kierkegaard). Considering this and many of his other works, it is no surprise that both Karol Wojtyła and Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger strongly opposed Kung’s relatively radical views. Re-reading it again nearly 40 years later, I would say if there was any truth to the christian image of reality, I would prefer Kung's church to that of most christian thinkers, RC or otherwise. Kung's discussions of the history of christian thought, the development and structure of the church, and especially his comparisons between RC christianity and 1)other world religions, 2)Judaism, and 3)other forms of christianity, are all fascinating and thought provoking. However, he is frustrating in that with each argument (and in ~600 pages he covers a LOT of arguments) he always haults at the brink – after showing the physical, philosophical, historical, and/or other problems with a particular "belief" issue, he then concludes with something along the line of, "but faith answers all" (of course, these conclusions are argued with his usual skill). I still think he is a brilliant, and learned man, but I wish his learning could push him a step further to even more liberal conclusions. Still, I recommend the book to serious students of christian thought/history, whether or not you are Christian yourself. One BIG caveat - while he repeatedly says he is also talking to atheists, except for those like me who still enjoy the history of christian thought separate from their own beliefs, atheists will not find him to be addressing them at all (no, I do not expect him to give up his beliefs, I am just noting that most of what he considers shared questions would not even mean anything to most atheists). And certainly I do nott recommend it to any of a more conservative christian mind unless they really can read it with a very open mind – this man is not shy about questions the precepts and assumptions of the christian cult. Finally, even though yes, I disagree with many of Herr Professor Kung’s conclusions, I still find myself greatly admiring the mind of this great thinker. Also – if you only can visit a few cities in Europe, Kung’s own Tübingen should be towards the top of your list!