Balthasar
A Very Critical Introduction
Will be published approx. on 30. November 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
176 pages
978-0-8028-2738-8 (ISBN)
Description
The enormously prolific Swiss Roman Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988) was marginalized during much of his life, but his reputation over time has only continued to grow. He was said to be the favorite theologian of John Paul II and is held in high esteem by Benedict XVI. It is not uncommon to hear him referred to as the great Catholic theologian of the twentieth century.
In Balthasar: A (Very) Critical Introduction Karen Kilby argues that although the low regard in which Balthasar was held from the 1950s to 1960s was not justified, neither is the current tendency to lionize him. Instead, she advocates a more balanced approach, particularly in light of a fundamental problem in his writing, namely, his characteristic authorial voice -- an over-reaching "God's eye" point of view that contradicts the content of his theology.
Reviews / Votes
David Burrell, C.S.C.-- University of Notre Dame"Karen Kilby exposes the plotline of Balthasar's formidable opus and proceeds to offer circumspect criticism of the supremely confident modes of expression his speculation can take. With grammar as a critical tool, she inquires trenchantly what might allow this 'theological novelist' to know his divine characters so well as to spin the story he does."Tina Beattie-- University of Roehampton"This book should be essential reading for anybody interested in contemporary Catholicism and its most flamboyant theologian. Kilby approaches her subject with a lucidity and balance that are rare in studies of Hans Urs von Balthasar. While meticulously careful to avoid gratuitous criticism, she offers a timely caution against the uncritical acceptance of Balthasar's work and its influence on much recent theology and doctrine."More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Grand Rapids
United States
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
284 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8028-2738-8 (9780802827388)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2012
Eerdmans
€27.99
Available for download
Person
Karen Kilby holds the Bede Chair in Catholic Theology atDurham University, England.