Overview

This study offers a theological response to the problem of anxiety from the point of view of Hans Urs von Balthasar. It is a systematic presentation, analysis and development of Balthasar's original theology of anxiety found in his only work on the subject, Der Christ und die Angst. The study takes a thematic approach based upon the four types of analysis found in Der Christ und die Angst: phenomenological, anthropological, theological and ecclesial. These four approaches to the topic correspond to the phenomenon, origins, redemption and transformation of anxiety. Through this thematic approach, Balthasar's thought is examined in relation to some of the important figures on anxiety. The phenomenon of anxiety is presented in relation to modern psychiatry. The examination of anxiety's origins places him in dialogue with Kierkegaard on anxiety from discursive reasoning and Freud on anxiety from ego-consciousness. The redemption of anxiety places Balthasar in relation to Aquinas in order to clarify Balthasar's interpretation and to show its significance in the theological tradition. The transformation of anxiety places our author in dialogue with Luther on the shape of anxiety in the Christian life. The final chapter begins to unravel the construct of anxiety, with a brief exploration of how it is transformed in the Church according to Balthasar, something he had never explicitly developed. The influence of Bernanos on Balthasar's thought is felt throughout the study. The entire study is framed by the two Gardens wherein transpire the most significant events concerning anxiety for Balthasar: the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane.

Full Product Details

Author:   Fr John R. Cihak (Archdiocese of Portland, OR, USA and The Vatican)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   T.& T.Clark Ltd
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 2.80cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.603kg
ISBN:  

9780567034076

ISBN 10:   0567034070
Pages:   304
Publication Date:   01 April 2009
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Language:   English

Table of Contents

Introduction: A Tale of Two Gardens Part One: East of Eden: The Phenomenon of Anxiety Chapter I: A Phenomenology of Human Anxiety according to Balthasar Chapter II: A Phenomenology of Christ's Anxiety according to Balthasar Part Two: The Garden of Eden: The Origins of Anxiety Chapter III: Anxiety from Discursive Reasoning Chapter IV: Anxiety from Ego-Consciousness Chapter V: Anxiety from Original Sin Part Three: The Garden of Gethsemane: The Redemption of Anxiety Chapter VI: St. Thomas Aquinas' Interpretation of Timor and its Redemption Chapter VII: Balthasar's Interpretation of Angst and its Redemption Part Four: The Garden of the Church: The Transformation of Anxiety Chapter VIII: The Shape of Christian Anxiety Chapter IX: Anxiety Transformed by the Church Conclusion Bibliography

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Author Information

Fr. John Cihak S.T.D. studied philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, and obtained his licentiate and doctorate in fundamental theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. He was appointed Papal Master of Ceremonies in 2010.

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