A Theology of History

by Hans Urs von Balthasar

Publishers:

Ignatius; Communio Books

, 1994

Overview

In this book we have one of the indispensable sources for understanding Hans Urs von Balthasar’s Catholic Christocentrism. Here we find elaboration of the striking statement that Jesus Christ is “the Idea made concrete, personal, historical: universale concretum et personale”—which means that Christ is the universally valid in the here and now. Von Balthasar follows Saint Irenaeus in viewing theology through the drama of history, and presents Jesus Christ as the norm by which all history—secular history as well as salvation history—ought to be interpreted. As God, Jesus is the universal norm for all humanity who stands outside of history; as man he became particular within history. By seeking to become one with him, our own history becomes meaningful, purposeful, and significant. Characteristic of von Balthasar, the book inspires spiritually as much as it informs theologically.

Product Details

• Title: A Theology of History
• Author: Hans Urs von Balthasar
• Edition: First English edition
• Publishers: Ignatius, Communio Books
• Print Publication Date: 1994
• Logos Release Date: 2019
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: History › Religious aspects--Christianity
• ISBNs: 9780898704600, 089870460X
• Resource ID: LLS:THEOOFHST
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T21:00:52Z

About Hans Urs von Balthasar

Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905–1988) was a Swiss Roman Catholic theologian. Along with Karl Rahner, Balthasar is one of the most important Roman Catholic theologians of the 20th century.