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