JOHN ANTHONY BERRY is Professor of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology and former Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta.
He studied Philosophy and Theology at the University of Malta, KU Leuven and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, specialising in Augustine, Hans Urs von Balthasar and Joseph Ratzinger, and earning a doctoral degree on Yves Congar OP with the highest distinction summa cum laude. He was also a visiting scholar at the Institut Catholique de Paris in France and the University of Leuven in Belgium.
His specialisation led to his appointment to leadership roles in the European society for ecumenical research Societas Oecumenica (President, 2018-2022) and in the European Society for Catholic Theology (committee member on the international Presidium, 2017-2021). He was guest lecturer at prestigious institutions in Braga, Dortmund, Dublin, Hamburg, Leuven, Lviv, Toruń, Rijeka, South Bohemia and Wroclaw.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Religious studies, Philosophy, Arts and Humanities
9
Scopus Publications
112
Scholar Citations
7
Scholar h-index
4
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Of Harlots and Holiness: The Church as The ‘Casta Meretrix’ in Hans Urs von Balthasar John Anthony Berry Religions, 2026 Casta Meretrix articulates the Church’s paradoxical identity as simultaneously holy and sinful, a motif profoundly reconfigured by Hans Urs von Balthasar. Drawing on biblical typology, patristic interpretation, and historical allegory—from Rahab and Hosea to Tamar and the Shulamite—Balthasar constructs a nuanced ecclesiology that honors divine grace while acknowledging human frailty. This essay examines his method, showing how Casta Meretrix offers a critical framework for engaging ecclesial sin, historical failings, and the Church’s redemptive vocation, emphasizing vigilance, penitential self-awareness, and the transformative power of divine love within a flawed yet elect community.
Consensus Ecclesiae: Aquinas on the Real and Apparent Unity of the Church Piotr Roszak, John Berry De Medio Aevo, 2025 Current sociological and theological observations point to the existence of a phenomenon known as “de-churching” in Western countries. Within the Church, there has been a long-standing discussion on the relativisation of some points of the doctrine and the dilution of the notion of consensus in the Church in favour of what could even be described as deliberate multiplicity that does not need to be reconciled. In this perspective, I would like to analyse Aquinas’s teaching about the consensus Ecclesiae, a theme which opens up the wider subject of the unity of and affiliation with the Church. Aquinas analyses the notion of ecclesial consensus and the unity/multiplicity relationship – concerning, for instance, opinions on the truths of the faith, permissible divergences, or “differences” in faith – in the context of unity with Christ and the concept of the persona mystica. This implies an alignment of the members with the Head, a constant movement of reconciliation that takes place not so much among the members as it does between them and Christ. In this sense, the “wounds of unity” in the form of heresies and schisms and the dangers that stem from them occupy his attention in many commentaries in which he makes an effort to demonstrate errors. This pursuit of unity is more than a concordance of opinions; it is an ontological perseverance in communion with Christ. Aquinas’s reflections on the unity of the Church in the historical dimension will be presented in this light, with his distinction between implicit and explicit faith.
Bonhoeffer, Congar, and the Public Role of Faith John Anthony Berry International Journal of Public Theology, 2025 This article explores the complementary theologies of Yves Congar and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, emphasizing their shared conviction that faith must actively engage with societal and political realities. Bonhoeffer’s prophetic resistance challenges the church to confront systemic injustices with moral clarity, while Congar advocates for a dialogical, renewal-driven approach to public theology. Their theological insights provide a framework for understanding the transformative role of faith in the public sphere, especially in response to the political and societal challenges of their respective contexts. The article proceeds by first contextualizing the distinct historical and ecclesial settings of both theologians, followed by a comparison of their theological approaches. It then examines their convergences, such as their shared emphasis on community, responsibility, and the public role of faith, before addressing their divergences in ecclesiology and engagement with the world. The research offers novel insights into how these two theologians can inform contemporary public theology by integrating prophetic critique and dialogical engagement.
Religion and Growth in Resilience: Strategies to Counter Cognitive Attacks Piotr Roszak, Sasa Horvat, Lluis Oviedo, John Anthony Berry Pastoral Psychology, 2025 Stereotypes frequently associate religion with rigid beliefs, pathological behaviors, or a moral code that, according to critics, engenders guilt, limits personal freedom (Nietzsche), and alienates individuals from authentic lived experience (Marx and Freud). Historically, religion has often been reduced and explained through various perspectives across different disciplines, often leading to psychological, neurological, evolutionary, and socio-functional reductionism (Fischer, 2007 ). From this perspective, religiosity is construed as harmful as it purportedly detaches individuals from reality. Such views, rooted in 19 th-century critiques, are epitomized in Marx’s famous description of religion as “the opium of the people,” from his 1844 A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right (Pedersen, 2015 ). This assertion suggests that religion distorts reality through projections shaped by human needs.
Benedict XVI’s Legacy to Youth John Anthony Berry Wroclawski Przeglad Teologiczny, 2024 Niniejszy artykuł ma na celu zbadanie trwałości dziedzictwa Benedykta XVI w kontekście Światowych Dni Młodzieży poprzez analizę pięciu poważnych „zaproszeń”, które papież skierował do młodych ludzi. Autor rozpoczyna artykuł od przedstawienia, w jaki sposób papież rozpoznał prawdziwą „żywotność” i „młodość” Kościoła w Panu, a następnie, jak wzywa młodych ludzi do manifestowania Bożej obecności, zwłaszcza w trudnych okolicznościach lub w miejscach, w których wiara może wydawać się nieobecna. Następnie autor omawia, w jaki sposób papież zachęcał młodzież do odpowiedzi na to wezwanie poprzez otwarcie serc na Chrystusa, wyzbycie się strachu i przyjęcie chrześcijańskiej nadziei. Benedykt XVI motywował młodych ludzi zasadniczo do aktywnego słuchania, uznawania wartości chwil ciszy, podejmowania odważnych i stanowczych decyzji, doświadczania radości i podtrzymywania zaufania. W ostatniej części artykułu autor pokazuje, w jaki sposób pięć „zaproszeń” służy jako nieustanne przypominanie młodszym pokoleniom, aby zanurzyli się w Słowie Bożym, szukali chwil kontemplacji, byli gotowi do podjęcia skalkulowanego ryzyka, pielęgnowali trwałe szczęście i żyli z nadzieją. Spuścizna papieża Benedykta XVI pozostaje poruszającym przypomnieniem i wyzwaniem dla młodzieży, która stara się osiągnąć autentyczność w swojej tożsamości i wyznawanej wierze. Choć papież odszedł w 2022 roku, jego nauczanie nie przestaje inspirować i prowadzić młodych ludzi, którzy kultywują pełną nadziei wiarę i znajdują niezachwiane wsparcie w Kościele, aby stali się radosnymi świadkami Chrystusa w świecie. Autor zamierza rzucić światło na nieprzemijającą wartość papieskiego nauczania i na jego wpływ na młodsze pokolenia.
Aquinas’s Understanding of Religion John Anthony Berry Religions, 2023 Thomas Aquinas emerges as a remarkable figure whose significant literary contributions have had a profound impact on our understanding of religion. Drawing inspiration from both the Greco-Roman philosophical and legal traditions, particularly the influential works of Cicero and the rich Christian tradition, notably Augustine, Aquinas presents a comprehensive and nuanced approach to the multifaceted concept of ‘religion’. While his analysis often situates ‘religion’ within the moral framework of justice, highlighting its inherent concern with the relationship between humanity and the divine, Aquinas goes beyond mere moral principles in his exploration. His aim is to establish a universal understanding of ‘religion’, offering a well-defined definition and presenting a philosophical and theological doctrine. In this paper, we shall first delve into the foundations and underlying principles that shaped Aquinas’s interpretation of religion. Next, we will undertake a thorough examination of religion as a virtue, highlighting Aquinas’s emphasis on its intrinsic connection to justice rather than confining it to the realm of religious sentiment, piety, or devotion. Finally, our research will explore the specific terminologies employed by Aquinas to elucidate the concept of religion, providing a comprehensive and nuanced approach to the ongoing discourse on this topic. Aquinas’s contribution rests in his defence of religion’s inherent public nature, grounded in its anthropological foundation and its virtuous essence.
Moral Aspects of Imaginative Art in Thomas Aquinas Piotr Roszak, John Anthony Berry Religions, 2021 For Thomas Aquinas, the imagination, being one of the “inner senses”, is a doorway to attain true knowledge. In this paper, we first analyze his lexicon in this regard (imaginatio and phantasia). Second, we discuss imagination as the subject matter of the intellectual virtues, which facilitate cognition and judgment. The development of imagination is the foundation of his vision of education not only on the natural but also on the supernatural level. Third, we explore Aquinas’ moral assessment of imaginative art and finally its influence on shaping the character. This influence occurs on two levels: it is assessed from the perspective of charity, justice, prudence and purity, namely to what extent the art serves these values, whereas the second criterion is beauty.
What makes us human? Augustine on interiority, exteriority and the self John Anthony Berry Scientia Et Fides, 2017 The composition of the human person is a central issue for Augustine. He addresses it in a philosophico-theological way; particularly in The Soliloquies and in The Confessions . What is at stake here is his exposition of “what” constitutes a person’s being human. This paper refers to some of his key ideas in this regard and attempts to identify and establish what this great thinker understands by specific terminology: the soul, the mind, and the self. His hunger for knowledge of the self helps his readers to ponder on the shifting emphasis between interiority and exteriority as well as a person’s consciousness and selfhood. Augustine wrestles with the concept of the soul, but at no point does he minimise the role of the intellect. After examining four definitions given by Augustine of the human person, this paper attempts to clarify all underpinnings related to this subject, as to be able to answer the topic in question.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Of Harlots and Holiness: The Church as The ‘Casta Meretrix’in Hans Urs von Balthasar JA Berry Religions 17 (3), 339 , 2026 2026
The soul of the polis: reclaiming civic virtue through faith JA Berry Kite Group , 2026 2026
Faith in exile: re-articulating the rationality of Christian faith in secular contexts JA Berry Malta University Press , 2026 2026
Where the sea opens the heart: aspects of maritime spirituality JA Berry 2026
Beyond certainty: reimagining faith in a changing world: vol 2 JA Berry, K Schembri Malta University Press , 2026 2026
Religion in contemporary society: identity, culture and public life JA Berry Kite Group , 2026 2026
Heritage, tourism, and cultural diplomacy: Malta’s strategic projection in the Mediterranean JA Berry University of Malta. Faculty of Faculty of Theology , 2026 2026
Religion and growth in resilience: strategies to counter cognitive attacks P Roszak, S Horvat, L Oviedo, JA Berry Pastoral Psychology, 1-17 , 2025 2025 Citations: 10
Bridging Worlds: Society, Religion, and Cultural Confluence P Roszak, J Berry International Journal of Public Theology 19 (1), 1-3 , 2025 2025
Bonhoeffer, Congar, and the Public Role of Faith JA Berry International Journal of Public Theology 19 (1), 102-123 , 2025 2025
Introduction [Reconsidering transcendence: between presence and absence] JA Berry Kite Group , 2025 2025
Humanity and transcendence JA Berry Kite Group , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Consensus Ecclesiae: Aquinas on the real and apparent unity of the Church P Roszak, JA Berry Universidad Complutense Madrid , 2025 2025
Dziedzictwo Benedykta XVI dla młodzieży JA Berry Wrocławski Przegląd Teologiczny 32 (1), 175-204 , 2024 2024
Living Tradition: Continuity and Change as Challenges to Churches and Theologies JA Berry, V Coman Evangelische Verlagsanstalt , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
The breadth of tradition: giving the past a future JA Berry Evangelische Verlagsanstalt GmbH , 2024 2024
Sinodalità al crocevia tra Europa e Mediterraneo JA Berry Fondazione MAGIS ETS , 2024 2024
Benedict XVI’s Legacy to Youth JA Berry Wrocławski Przegląd Teologiczny 32 (1), 175-204 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Aquinas’s understanding of religion JA Berry Religions 14 (7), 855 , 2023 2023 Citations: 13
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Love Alone HU Von Balthasar, A Dru Herder and Herder , 1969 1969 Citations: 24
What makes us human? Augustine on interiority, exteriority and the self JA Berry Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Navarra , 2017 2017 Citations: 17
Aquinas’s understanding of religion JA Berry Religions 14 (7), 855 , 2023 2023 Citations: 13
Religion and growth in resilience: strategies to counter cognitive attacks P Roszak, S Horvat, L Oviedo, JA Berry Pastoral Psychology, 1-17 , 2025 2025 Citations: 10
Yves Congar's vision of faith JA Berry Tesi gregoriana/Serie teologia , 2019 2019 Citations: 7
Tested in Fire: Hans Urs von Balthasar on the Moment of Christian Witness JA Berry Melita Theologica 62, 145-170 , 2012 2012 Citations: 7
Man’s capacity for self-transcendence. On ‘conversion’ in Bernard Lonergan’s Method in Theology JA Berry Melita Theologica 58, 23-42 , 2007 2007 Citations: 7
Moral aspects of imaginative art in thomas aquinas P Roszak, JA Berry Religions 12 (5), 322 , 2021 2021 Citations: 4
Christian Witness: Its Grammar and Logic JA Berry Biblica et Patristica Thoruniensia 10 (2), 231-250 , 2017 2017 Citations: 4
Love Alone: Hans Urs von Balthasar on the Trinity and the Paschal Mystery JA Berry Horizons Publications , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Yves Congar. Ecumenism and the Changing Face of Roman Catholicism JA Berry Ökumenische Begegnungen / Ecumenical Encounters (Beihefte zur Ökumenischen … , 2015 2015 Citations: 2
Communion and Co-responsibility in the Church JA Berry 50th International Eucharistic Congress, 6th-9th June 2012 Proceedings of … , 2012 2012 Citations: 2
Communion Ecclesiology in Theological Ecumenism JA Berry Questions Liturgiques / Studies in Liturgy 90 (2-3), 92-105 , 2009 2009 Citations: 2
Humanity and transcendence JA Berry Kite Group , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Living Tradition: Continuity and Change as Challenges to Churches and Theologies JA Berry, V Coman Evangelische Verlagsanstalt , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Benedict XVI’s Legacy to Youth JA Berry Wrocławski Przegląd Teologiczny 32 (1), 175-204 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Braving a troubled world. Theological explorations of resilience JA Berry Kite Group , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
The Christological Ecology of Joseph Ratzinger JA Berry, C Baluci Melita Theologica 71 (2), 241-261 , 2021 2021 Citations: 1
Retrieving the Mystical Dimension in Ecumenism JA Berry Roczniki teologiczne 63 (7), 137-156 , 2017 2017 Citations: 1
