John Thornhill: Theologian of the church

This is written in tribute to Marist theologian, John Thornhill, in recognition of his contribution to theology and theological education in Australia. Specific references are made to John's article in the Journal, One Theologian's Personal Journey. It begins by outlining distinct habits of mind that inform John's approach to theology: philosophical realism; historical consciousness; and the original experience of the Gospel. This provides John with a theological template for interpreting the complex relationship between human history and divine revelation. Influences in John's theological project are then discussed under the self-explanatory headings of Marist, Vatican II, Ecumenism and Australian. Finally, it is proposed that John is first and foremost a theologian of the Church