The Thought of Hans Urs von Balthasar

1 credits · Divinity School

This course introduces students to the thought of Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-88). We will read a range of texts by him, paying particular attention to his theology of the Word, the theology of history, his theological anthropology, his account of beauty (including his appreciation of Georges Bernanos), his trinitarian theology, and his understanding of truth as mystery and as participation. We shall also examine his responses to two major theologians: Maximus Confessor and Karl Barth. Recommended prerequisite: XTIANTHE 755.