Includes bibliographical references (p. 142-156) and index.

1. Theology in transition -- Paradigm shifts in theology -- The task of the Theologian -- The new theology -- The new Theologians -- 2. The church looks at the world -- Leading up to Vatican II -- A document for our time -- Church and world : a reconciliation -- A changing theology -- Theological anthropology -- Christ the key element in a theological anthropology -- Inculturation -- Reasons to believe -- A renewed sense of history -- 3. The church looks at the laity -- The layperson in the church before Vatican II -- Struggling to find a voice -- Return to the sources -- A theology of communion -- The Sensus Fidelium -- The law of incarnation -- The hour of the laity -- Vatican II opens the door -- Lumen Gentium -- Priesthood of the faithful -- Gifted with the same spirit -- Relationship between the laity and the hierarchy -- Gaudium et Spes -- A theology of the actual -- Theologically prepared for the mission -- Apostolicam Actuositatem -- An ecclesiology of the people of God -- Preparation to be an apostle -- 4. The church looks at itself -- From Vatican I to Vatican II -- Changing the unchangeable -- Lumen Gentium : a charter for change -- The church is a mystery -- The church is a communion -- The church is a reality in the making -- Epilogue -- The "prophets" -- The documents of Vatican II -- The holy spirit -- The future.