Theo-Drama: Theological Dramatic Theory: The Dramatis Personae: The Person in Christ

Rating:
Summary: The centerpiece of von Balthasar's theology
Review: This volume, volume III of "Theo-Drama", provides the centerpiece of the theological thought of the late Hans Urs von Balthasar. In its pages, he presents, using his concept of a "theological dramatic theory", his ecclesiology, his Christology, and his Mariology, all of which are intrinsically interconnected.

In a review of this sort, it is impossible to fully express the range of what this book covers (much less the totality of von Balthasar's thought). However, as a bit of a 'teaser', (to encourage the review reader toward the purchase of this book), I'll point out a couple of areas which were of great interest to me.

One area of interest was in von Balthasar's discussion of Christology. Unlike many systematicians who all too often assume that students of systematics already know history (a dangerous assumption, at best), von Balthasar locates his theological discussion of Christology from within the historical controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries.

Another area of interest was in his discussion of ecclesiology. In expounding his theology of "Church", von Balthasar develops his "Christological Constellation" (further expounded in "The Office of Peter and the Structure of the Church") based on the New Testament witness of Peter, James, John, Paul and Mary.

A third area of interest was in his discussion of Mariology, which he locates (following Vatican II) in his discussion of the Church. His presentation of Mary is at once theological and pious, without being overbearing. Of special interest in the Mariological section is his discussion of the role of woman vis a vis the role of man in the Divine Plan.

If you only read one volume of von Balthasar's theology, this would probably be the one to read. I heartily recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: The centerpiece of von Balthasar's theology
Review: This volume, volume III of "Theo-Drama", provides the centerpiece of the theological thought of the late Hans Urs von Balthasar. In its pages, he presents, using his concept of a "theological dramatic theory", his ecclesiology, his Christology, and his Mariology, all of which are intrinsically interconnected.

In a review of this sort, it is impossible to fully express the range of what this book covers (much less the totality of von Balthasar's thought). However, as a bit of a 'teaser', (to encourage the review reader toward the purchase of this book), I'll point out a couple of areas which were of great interest to me.

One area of interest was in von Balthasar's discussion of Christology. Unlike many systematicians who all too often assume that students of systematics already know history (a dangerous assumption, at best), von Balthasar locates his theological discussion of Christology from within the historical controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries.

Another area of interest was in his discussion of ecclesiology. In expounding his theology of "Church", von Balthasar develops his "Christological Constellation" (further expounded in "The Office of Peter and the Structure of the Church") based on the New Testament witness of Peter, James, John, Paul and Mary.

A third area of interest was in his discussion of Mariology, which he locates (following Vatican II) in his discussion of the Church. His presentation of Mary is at once theological and pious, without being overbearing. Of special interest in the Mariological section is his discussion of the role of woman vis a vis the role of man in the Divine Plan.

If you only read one volume of von Balthasar's theology, this would probably be the one to read. I heartily recommend this book.