Christology from Within: Spirituality and the Incarnation in Hans Urs Von Balthasar (Studies in Spirituality and Theology)

Rating:
Summary: Best Intro to von Balthasar
Review: I've spent the last year daily exploring the wonderful territory that is von Balthasar's theology. From the Glory of the Lord through Theo-dramatics. McIntosh takes you directly to his heart. There are other helpful introductions and guides, but none captures the beauty of his work with such skill, precision, and depth. Don't even try to tackle von Balthasar without this book.

Rating:
Summary: STILL THE FINEST INTRODUCTION TO VON B.
Review: Some books are good for the right moment, then over time lose their usefulness or just seem less profound. Two years ago I wrote a short glowing review of Christology from Within. Since then I've read another couple dozen or so secondary volumes (Mongrain, Steck, Dickens, Scola, Oakes, etc.) and, of course, spent more time with von Balthasar himself. So I offer a second review with the benefit of time passed: the book is a jewel. If you want help reading the whole trilogy use Aidan Nichols three volume intro to keep from losing yourself in the details. But for the heart and soul of von Balthasar, McIntosh is the one secondary source you must have (and it's just plain well written).