Abstract: Through previously unexplored archival material, the article rebuilds the foundational antecedents of the theological Chilean Journal Teología y Vida. Its origins are situated within a general program of ecclesial and institutional-academic renewal which Marcos McGrath, its mentor and fi rst director, pushed forward in line with the intellectual and ecclesial ambiance of transformations in the 60’. This survey brings up the issue of the role of theology in society, academy and the church. Keywords: McGrath, theological agenda, Vatican II, Theology UC.Resumen: Desde fuentes inéditas de archivo de la Facultad de Teología de la UC, el ar tículo reconstruye los antecedentes fundacionales de la revista Teología y Vida. Esos orígenes son situados en un programa de renovación eclesial y académico-institucional más amplio que su mentor y primer director, Marcos McGrath, impulsó en sintonía con el ambiente intelectual y eclesial de cambio de los 60. Esta revisión abre el tema de la función de la teología en la sociedad, la academia y la Iglesia. Palabras claves: McGrath, quehacer-teológico, Vaticano II, teología UC. Abstract: Through previously unexplored archival material, the article rebuilds the foundational antecedents of the theological Chilean Journal Teología y Vida. Its origins are situated within a general program of ecclesial and institutional-academic renewal which Marcos McGrath, its mentor and fi rst director, pushed forward in line with the intellectual and ecclesial ambiance of transformations in the 60’. This survey brings up the issue of the role of theology in society, academy and the church. Keywords: McGrath, theological agenda, Vatican II, Theology UC.