Overview

In Balthasar: A Guide for the Perplexed, Rodney Howsare gives the reader a handle on these perplexing aspects of Balthasar's thought. In the first chapter he introduces the reader to the man and his unique method of doing theology. He then moves on to explaining the basic structure and nature of Balthasar's trilogy: the aesthetics, dramatics, and logic. He then deals with various theological topics: Jesus Christ, The Trinity, The Drama of Redemption, The Church and Mary, and The Last Things. A final chapter summarizes Balthasar's place in modern theology and suggests further readings for the interested reader.

Full Product Details

Author:   Rodney Howsare
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   T.& T.Clark Ltd
Dimensions:   Width: 13.60cm , Height: 1.40cm , Length: 21.40cm
Weight:   0.266kg
ISBN:  

9780567031990

ISBN 10:   0567031993
Pages:   200
Publication Date:   30 June 2009
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  College/higher education ,  Professional & Vocational ,  Undergraduate
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Language:   English

Table of Contents

Contents Introduction Chapter One: Balthasar: The Man and his Place in 20th Century Theology I. Biographical Sketch: The Early Years II. Biographical Sketch: Important Influences A. Erich Przywara B. Henri de Lubac C. Adrienne von Speyr D. Karl Barth III. Conclusion: The Last Years Chapter Two: Balthasar's Method: Background and History I. The Problem of Theological Method II. The History of Theology: Fathers, Scholastics and Ourselves A. The Cosmocentric Method: the Fathers B. Scholasticism, Thomas Aquinas and the Real Distinction C. The Anthropocentric Turn III. Concluding Remarks Chapter Three: Balthasar's Theological Style I. The Meaning and Purpose of Meta-Anthropology II. The Role of Philosophy III. The Concretization of the Philosophical Act: The Fourfold Distinction IV. Four Notes on Balthasar's Christocentrism V. Preliminary Summary VI. The Trilogy and the Transcendentals A. Aesthetics: The Glory of the Lord B. Dramatics: Theo-Drama C. Logic: Theo-Logic Chapter Four: Jesus Christ and the Meaning of Scripture I. Theological Aesthetics and the Study of the Bible II. Theological Aesthetics and New Testament Christology III. Concluding Remarks Chapter Five: Jesus Christ and the Drama of Finite and Infinite Freedom I. The Drama of Finite and Infinite Freedom II. Theo-Dramatic Christology A. Preliminary Considerations B. The New Testament and Christology 1. The Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith 2. Jesus' Imminent Expectation of the End 3. Pro Nobis III. Preliminary Conclusions Chapter Six: The Trinity and the Cross I. Introduction: Bringing it all Back Home II. Jesus Christ: His Person, Nature and Mission A. Balthasar's Starting Point: The Mission of Jesus B. The Person and Nature of Jesus in the Light of his Mission C. Some Preliminary Conclusions: The Implications of the Word III. The Trinity and the Cross IV. Conclusion Chapter Seven: Balthasar's Ongoing Role in Theology I. Summary and Conclusion II. Balthasar's Place in Theology Today A. Balthasar and Postliberalism B. Balthasar and Radical Orthodoxy C. Balthasar and the Resurgence of Traditionalist Catholicism

Reviews

'In this fine book Rodney A. Howsare not only puts Balthasar masterfully in the context of old and new philosophical and theological thoughts but he also succeeds in presenting us Balthasar's many-branched oeuvre in a nutshell (Balthasar). This clarifying book focusing on Balthasar's view of the interplay between theology and philosophy as well as on his Christology and his Trinitarian theology is a major contribution to the reception of the Swiss theologian. It serves well as an introduction to Balthasar, and yet it is considerably more than an intro-duction.' - Martin Bieler, Institute of Systematic Theology, University of Bern, Switzerland. 'Rodney Howsare has accomplished what one would scarcely have imagined possible, namely, a generally accessible presentation of Balthasar that avoids oversimplification and boring generalities. He has achieved this by artfully gathering the rich variety of themes in the B althasarian corpus around their true center: the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ who reveals at once the inner life of the Trinitarian God and the inner depths of worldly being. It is a relief finally to have a book one can confidently recommend to those looking for an introduction to Balthasar, as well as to those who are already immersed in his theology and trying to find their bearings.' - D.C. Schindler, Department of Humanities, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA. 'Rodney Howsare's 'Guide' is an exceptionally lucid introduction to Balthasar's main themes and the crucial issues for theology and philosophy raised by his work. The way Howsare relates Balthasarian thought to other theological schools is truly masterly. An enviable achievement.' - Aidan Nichols, University of Oxford, UK

'In this fine book Rodney A. Howsare not only puts Balthasar masterfully in the context of old and new philosophical and theological thoughts but he also succeeds in presenting us Balthasar's many-branched oeuvre in a nutshell (Balthasar). This clarifying book focusing on Balthasar's view of the interplay between theology and philosophy as well as on his Christology and his Trinitarian theology is a major contribution to the reception of the Swiss theologian. It serves well as an introduction to Balthasar, and yet it is considerably more than an intro-duction.' - Martin Bieler, Institute of Systematic Theology, University of Bern, Switzerland. --,

'In this fine book Rodney A. Howsare not only puts Balthasar masterfully in the context of old and new philosophical and theological thoughts but he also succeeds in presenting us Balthasar's many-branched oeuvre in a nutshell (Balthasar). This clarifying book focusing on Balthasar's view of the interplay between theology and philosophy as well as on his Christology and his Trinitarian theology is a major contribution to the reception of the Swiss theologian. It serves well as an introduction to Balthasar, and yet it is considerably more than an intro-duction.' - Martin Bieler, Institute of Systematic Theology, University of Bern, Switzerland. --Martin Bieler

Author Information

Rodney A. Howsare is Associate Professor of Fundamental Theology, DeSales University, Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA. 

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