"Hearers of the Word" is one of the book titles that represents a program: it lays the foundation for a theology that describes humanity in its openness to a meaningful message from history through human words; an openness that can recognize the word of God's revelation and can receive and preserve it without distortion. The Salzburg Lectures of Karl Rahner (1937), which form the basis of this book, have since become a piece of theological history. Through the newly revised edition by Johann Baptist Metz (1963), which is also included here, the book has significantly influenced the religious philosophical discussion since the time of the Council, stimulating both engagement and debate. At the same time, the incorporation of newer questions and the consideration of Rahner's theological development have raised questions and sparked controversies. The parallel publication of both versions...