The Dramatic Encounter of Divine and Human Freedom in the Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar

Beschreibung

This book surveys the major theological writings of Hans Urs von Balthasar from the perspective of the relationship between finite and infinite freedom. The first part examines Balthasar's early treatment of the question in the context of the analogy of being. The second part concentrates on his more mature work, the Theological Dramatics, with its understanding of the relationship between finite and infinite freedom in terms of a 'dramatic encounter' in which, controversially, human freedom is thought to actively participate in an ever-greater exchange of love in God. But this book is more than a survey. Observing the persistence of the 'analogy of proportionality' within the Dramatics leads the author in the third part to a critique of Balthasar's thought. It is argued that the continuation of the earlier perspective explains Balthasar's emphasis on the freedom of the individual to the neglect of social structures and their transformation. While the 'historical' as such is not neglected, as some claim it is, the focus is on the history of the individual and his or her relationship with God. It is therefore contended that Balthasar's theology of the Trinity is more concerned with 'interpersonal' relationships than truly 'social' ones and that this is what inhibits a fruitful dialogue with social theologies.

Autor*in

Thomas G. Dalzell, SM

Themen in »The Dramatic Encounter of Divine and Human Freedom in the Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar«

Balthasar being Dalzell Divine Dramatic EDITION Encounter Freedom God Hans Human love Printing Second Theology

Stimmen zu »The Dramatic Encounter of Divine and Human Freedom in the Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar«

«In this excellent work, D offers a careful synthesis and helpful assessment of B's theology and in particular B's treatment of freedom, a theme which runs like a thread throughout B's theology, and which is central to his 'Theodramatics', where B treats the encounter of divine and human freedom and the eschatological introduction of human freedom into the trinitarian mystery of God's self-giving love. [...] D's book is a very fine work of scholarship and a delight to read. It offers readers an excellent introduction to B's 'Theodramatics'.» (Anne Hunt, The Australasian Catholic Record)
«Whoever wishes to study Balthasar's theology of freedom in depth would be well repaid by D.'s book.» (John O'Donnell, Theological Studies)
«Die Arbeit von Thomas G. Dalzell ist für eine fruchtbare Auseinandersetzung mit dem Werk Hans Urs von Balthasars sehr anregend.» (W. Löser, Theologie und Philosophie)
«Among studies of partial aspects of the work of Balthasar (as distinct from overall views) this is quite the best book in English I have ever come across. Not only does it exhibit a masterly grasp of Balthasar's thought; it is also highly acute in the questions it poses to his shade – questions which, in his absence from the theological world-stage, it also tries to answer.» (Aidan Nichols, Irish Theological Quarterly)
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