Is the Metaphor of the “Signs of the Times” an Empty Phrase? About a Central Theological Concept in Transition

Abstract

One of the main characteristics of post-conciliar theology is referring to the “signs of the times”, a metaphor which was coined in French theology in the middle of the 20th century. Although this metaphor was only marginally present at the Second Vatican Council, it nearly became a synonym for the awakening of the Catholic Theology and Church. However, having been used over-extensively, it runs the risk of losing its actual meaning in theology as well as in the church. This paper analyses the use of the metaphor “signs of the times” at the Second Vatican Council and traces its post-conciliar reception. In conclusion, the metaphor’s innovative potential for theological and epistemological reflection in today’s catholic self-conception is discussed.