Nicholas Lash facts for kids

Nicholas Langrishe Alleyne Lash (born April 6, 1934 – died July 11, 2020) was an English Roman Catholic expert in theology. Theology is the study of religious faith, practice, and experience. He served in the British Army before becoming a priest. Later, he left the priesthood to become a full-time professor. He taught at the University of Cambridge for many years.

Nicholas Lash's Journey

Serving in the Army

Nicholas Lash served in the Royal Engineers from 1951 to 1957. This was part of his national service. He became a second lieutenant in 1953. He continued his army career for a few more years. He ended his military service in 1957.

From Priest to Professor

After his army service, Lash studied to become a Roman Catholic priest. He attended St Mary's College, Oscott, from 1957 to 1963. After being ordained, he worked as an assistant priest in Slough.

In 1969, he joined St Edmund's College, Cambridge, as a Fellow. This college is unique because its chapel is Roman Catholic. He served as Dean of St Edmund's from 1971 to 1975.

In 1975, he decided to focus on teaching and research. He became a lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. From 1978 to 1999, he held an important position. He was the Norris–Hulse Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University.

His Ideas on Theology

Nicholas Lash wrote many books about theology. He also often wrote for The Tablet, a Catholic magazine. He was a Roman Catholic and was known for his liberal views. He often spoke out about important topics in his faith. He believed in open discussions, even on subjects like the ordination of women.

He was one of the few Catholic theologians to read all of Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics. He also read all of Karl Rahner's Theological Investigations. These are very long and complex works. Lash was greatly influenced by the ideas of Thomas Aquinas. He also used philosophical ideas from Ludwig Wittgenstein. His reflections on the Apostles' Creed are considered very important. They include discussions about the idea of the Trinity.

He also helped organize a meeting in 1973. This meeting was about Bernard Lonergan's ideas on theology.

His Family Life

Nicholas Lash was born in India. His mother, Joan Mary Moore, was Roman Catholic and of Irish descent. His father, Brigadier Henry Alleyne Lash, was an officer in the British Indian Army.

Nicholas had an older brother named Father Ephrem Lash. Ephrem was an Eastern Orthodox priest. He was known for translating old religious texts. Nicholas also had two sisters. One was the writer Jini Fiennes. She had seven children, including famous actors Ralph and Joseph Fiennes. Her other children include filmmakers Sophie and Martha Fiennes, conservationist Jacob Fiennes, and musician Magnus Fiennes. His other sister, Susannah Lash, was an artist and writer.

Nicholas Lash attended Worth Preparatory School and Downside School. He married Janet in 1976. They had a son named Dominic Lash.

His Published Books

Nicholas Lash wrote many books. Some of his notable works include:

• His Presence in the World: A Study in Eucharistic Worship and Theology (1968)
• Change in Focus: A Study of Doctrinal Change and Continuity (1973)
• Newman on Development: The Search for an Explanation in History (1975)
• Voices of Authority (1976)
• Theology on Dover Beach (1979)
• A Matter of Hope: A Theologian's Reflections on the Thought of Karl Marx (1981)
• Theology on the Way to Emmaus (1986)
• Easter in Ordinary: Reflections on Human Experience and the Knowledge of God (1988)
• Believing Three Ways in One God: A Reading of the Apostles' Creed (1992)
• The Beginning and the End of 'Religion' (1996)
• Holiness, Speech and Silence: Reflections on the Question of God (2004)